Implementing pro-poor planning and budgeting: a case study of government-community poverty alleviation partnership in Pekalongan City, Indonesia

Abstract

Pro-poor planning and budgeting systems can function as an integral approach in achieving good governance, especially to address urban poverty challenges. In Indonesia, Act No. 25 of 2004 on the national development planning system mandates that the formulation of the development planning document include a whole community approach. However, there is still uncertainty about this approach and how to implement its requirements. Furthermore, some criticism has emerged over formal efforts to fulfil the stipulations of the pro-poor planning process. Pekalongan city is currently attempting to modify their existing planning process in favor of an explicitly pro-poor approach. Results have yet to be quantifiably measured but some positive signs are observable. This article presents the Pekalongan city government's efforts in implementing a pro-poor planning system since 2008. Findings indicate that Pekalongan has successfully stimulated increased community participation and that the government-community partnership in city development activities has also been successful in implementing specific poverty alleviation programs.