The Value of Leadership amidst Surabaya's COVID-19 Catastrophe: Policy Stringency, Public Trust Realignment, and Governance Accountability

Abstract

The global upsurge in COVID-19 mortality and the emergence of the Omicron form poses a threat to health security, no exception, particularly in urban places such as Surabaya. This research aims to examine thoroughly the role of leadership in addressing the COVID-19 situation in Surabaya. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey and direct interviews with the stakeholders. This study concludes that: (1) Surabaya's leadership utilized coercive strategies to manage the crisis, and (2) the realignment of public trust may be determined by the degree of compliance to do what the government mandates. By using the Path-goal theory, this research resulted that the leadership style conducted in Surabaya is directive leadership; where attempts to reduce role ambiguity among subordinates and to clarify their perceptions through Kampung Tangguh “Jogo Suroboyo” and Lawan COVID-19 website. Nevertheless, the distinctive findings of this study are: (1) the value of Gotong Royong has always been a hallmark of the government’s collective handling effort, and (2) that greater transparency and accountability on the part of Surabaya's governance is necessary for its officials to efficiently manage the ongoing COVID-19 situation.