Asymmetrical sequential decentralization: Resetting the paradigm of regional autonomy

Abstract

This paper explores the issues related to the future regional autonomy regulation in Indonesia as an evaluation material and efforts to find and reformulate the ideal form of decentralization as the basis for working relations between the central and the regional government. The “zigzag” pattern that has been applied in autonomy policy in Indonesia, between centralization or decentralization and between symmetrical or asymmetrical decentralization, does not indicate any grand design in the implementation of regional autonomy. Therefore, a new blueprint that is able to become a paradigm and guideline for the implementation of regional autonomy in Indonesia is needed in order to achieve regional fiscal independence. This research is normative legal research based on deductive logic to build positive law by using secondary data sources and legal materials (Marzuki, 2010). This research indicated that the meaning of decentralization as a process (Falleti, 2005) and the educational mechanism are significantly related to achieving regional independence. In essence, the transfer of knowledge concerning the government’s capability in management should be more prioritized and must be given first before handing over the autonomy authority.