Asymmetric Decentralization Research Articles

Dis-Catchment Areas: The Need for Asymmetric Decentralization in Island Characteristic Areas

This paper aims to answer the call for studies on Indonesia has implemented symmetrical decentralization amidst regional diversity. However, in several areas characterized by islands (dis-catchment), local governments experience difficulties in utilizing their geographic resources efficiently to provide services and encourage development. This research addresses the issue by adapting decentralization policies to the needs of specific regions. It employs a qualitative approach, involving site visits to collect data through interviews, observation, and documentation. The research uses the Spiral model with the help of N-Vivo 12 plus for data analysis. The research results show that services and development in this archipelagic region are not in harmony with its geographical conditions. Services and development tend to be concentrated in government capitals, so these services are expensive and resource-intensive to access in remote areas. Therefore, efforts are needed to reorganize this asymmetrical archipelagic area to better adapt to its unique geographical conditions, especially in an archipelagic country like Indonesia.

Does decentralization boost electoral participation? Revisiting the question in a non-western context

Since the late 1970s, intergovernmental relationships worldwide have undergone an unequivocal transformation, with powers increasingly shifting toward subnational governments. One of the expected outcomes of decentralization reforms is a (re)vitalization of participation in subnational decision-making. If available empirical evidence tends to support this claim, it has remained primarily restricted to Western countries. This article leverages asymmetric decentralization arrangements in Ukraine to re-examine the effect of decentralization on voter turnout in a diverging setting. It conducts matching and regression analyses using an original city-level dataset that combines electoral, census, administrative, financial and geospatial data. The results converge on a significantly positive effect on voter turnout in local elections of more than 4 percentage points. Additional analyses concerning the mechanisms suggest that the effect might be driven by citizens’ awareness of electoral stakes. Interestingly, the increase in voter turnout appears concomitant with lower perceived local government performance.

Drivers of local government borrowing in China: Fiscal hunger and competition game under asymmetric decentralization

This paper contributes two mechanisms through which asymmetric fiscal decentralization drives local government borrowing: ‘fiscal hunger’ (borrowing to address budgetary fiscal gaps, leverage land resources, and pay off existing loans) and ‘competition game’ (borrowing to compete for bond issuance and state funds). Analyzing a dataset of 290 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2015, we find local government borrowing is driven by both fiscal hunger and inter-city competition. Borrowing is not confined to the growth-oriented purpose. Our Geographically Weighted Panel Regression uncovers the spatial patterns of two borrowing mechanisms, in which borrowing in less-developed regions is predominantly driven by fiscal hunger, while developed coastal regions actively engage in inter-city competition through borrowing. These dynamics may aggravate fiscal disparities among Chinese cities.

Institutional Failures in Decentralization: Insight from Batam, Indonesia

Batam’s development began in 1970 by the Batam Authority (now called BP Batam) and was projected as an industrial area. At that time, Batam was transformed into a city with growth above the average national economic growth. Yet, the contrasting situation occurred after the implementation of regional autonomy in Batam. The presence of the Batam City Government as an executor of regional autonomy has a very strong legal and political position. Therefore, this paper focuses on institutional failures which have implications for the decline of the economy during the decentralized era. The methodology used in this research is descriptive exploratory, which extracts information from primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained using surveys and interviews with expert informants. The data was analyzed using the Delphi method and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results of the study showed that the problem was institutional dualism between the Batam City Government and BP Batam, which had implications for legal uncertainty. The Delphi method resulted in recommendations for the Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Special Economic Zones (SEZ), and the implementation of special autonomy in Batam. Meanwhile, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method resulted in a finding that special autonomy was the best policy choice. The concept of asymmetric decentralization based on economics is a possible model of special autonomy. However, in its implementation, further stages are needed to prepare a special law regarding the substance of specialization given to Batam.

The Urgency of Recognition the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Asymmetric Decentralization in Papua and Papua Barat

Asymmetric decentralization is a special method given to certain provinces in Indonesia amidst the diversity of cultures, customs and specialties of certain regions. The central government's policy in the form of regional autonomy apparently has an impact on indigenous communities, resulting in frequent conflicts and unclear recognition of customary rights, especially in Tanah Papua. The aim of the research is to determine the importance of recognizing indigenous communities in asymmetric decentralization in Papua and West Papua. The research method used is qualitative, data was obtained by searching the literature and presented with descriptive analysis. The results of this research are that Indonesia does not yet have regulations at the "law" level that recognize the existence and rights of indigenous peoples, especially in Papua and West Papua. One of the government's admissions is that through Asymmetric Decentralization with special autonomy it still causes public dissatisfaction. Therefore, recognition of people's rights through draft laws or "laws" is very important to implement. According to the research, ratifying the Indigenous Peoples Bill is essential for strengthening the legal and policy foundation for indigenous peoples' rights fulfillment.

A Study of Implementation of Special Autonomy Law: An Evidence from Post Peace Conflict of Aceh, Indonesia

After the Tsunami in Aceh, the conflict between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Government of Indonesia, which had persisted for over three decades, was resolved. This resolution was achieved when both parties agreed to implement asymmetric decentralization or special autonomy in Aceh. The implementation of Special Autonomy is governed by Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Government of Aceh, specifically regarding the use of the Flag and Emblem for Aceh. This study investigates the factors contributing to the divergence in opinions between the Central Government and the Government of Aceh concerning Qanun No. 3 of 2013 regarding the Aceh Flag and Coat of Arms. This research employed a qualitative approach and conducted in-depth interviews with 15 participants. The findings revealed that the conflict between the Central Government and the Aceh Government regarding the Aceh Flag and Coat of Arms stems from differing perceptions and interpretations of the Crescent Star flag and Bouraq-Lion symbol, which bear resemblance to the flag and logo used by the Aceh Movement. Merdeka (GAM) and Government Regulation Number 77 of 2007 concerning Regional Emblems. Conflict resolution has reached an impasse, as both parties involved maintain their respective positions. This deadlock resulted in the unauthorized display of the crescent and star flag by Acehnese citizens, a decline in Acehnese support for the Aceh Party, and the strengthening of potential regional disintegration in Aceh. This study suggests that the implementation of special autonomy as part of the consensus on conflict resolution may be compromised if the previous agreement is not upheld.

Pengaruh Modal dan Investasi Teknologi terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Provinsi Nangroe Aceh Darusalam Setelah Dibelakukan Syariat Islam

The existence of the policy of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, providing special autonomy to the Province of Nangroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) through the concept of asymmetric decentralization, accompanied by the issuance of a law implementing Islamic Sharia in Aceh in a comprehensive manner, as well as opening up opportunities for the government and the people of Aceh Province to increase the rate of economic development which is based on religious values. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of capital issued by the government and technology investment on the regional economic growth of Aceh province. The target population is districts/cities in Aceh Province, while the sample consists of 23 analysis units (5 cities and 18 districts). Secondary data is on a ratio scale, to measure research variables, namely; capital, technology investment and regional economic growth for the 2011 - 2020 period, sourced from the NAD Provincial Central Statistics Agency. Data analysis techniques use descriptive statistics and regression analysis to test research hypotheses. The research results show that, specifically and simultaneously, capital and technology investment have a significant influence on the regional economic growth of Aceh Province. Partially, capital and technology investment are determinants of regional economic growth in Aceh Province. These two variables have the effect of increasing regional economic growth. Provinces that have large capital and investment in quality and innovative technology will have an impact on high economic growth in Aceh Province. Thus, it indicates that in general the intensity of implementation of Islamic Sharia in Aceh province has provided a meaningful role for the capital sector and technology investment in increasing regional economic growth.

Recognition of the Specialties of the Kingdom of Yogyakarta and the Practice of Asymmetric Decentralization in Indonesia

Objective: Yogyakarta Palace is a kingdom that existed before Indonesia became independent. Generally, a country can adopt a monarchy as a system of government that applies nationally. However, uniqueness emerged in recognizing the privileges of the Kingdom of Yogyakarta in Indonesia, which still has the authority to regulate its territory but is also under the auspices of the Republic of Indonesia. In response to this phenomenon, this article was created to answer questions regarding (1) a comparison of monarchical systems in the world, (2) the Validity of the Yogyakarta Palace area as a Special Region in Indonesia, and (3) DIY Government Policy Strategy in maintaining and managing the unique features of Yogyakarta. From the results of this analysis, this study aims to provide alternative recommendations for recognizing the kingdom's authority based on practices that occur in Indonesia.
 
 Method: The study uses normative juridical research methods with a conceptual and statutory approach. The theory of asymmetric decentralization is the analytical tool used to see the chain of validity of the privileges of the Yogyakarta Palace.
 
 Result: The results of the analysis show that the authority of the King of the Yogyakarta Palace to lead the Yogyakarta Special Region Province is a form of asymmetric decentralization practice that is different from the implementation of other monarchical systems in the world.
 
 Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that a King's authority to regulate his territory does not have to be within the realm of a monarchical system of government. Recognition of the unique features of the Yogyakarta Palace in Indonesia has proven that a kingdom can exist within the territory of a Republic that practices an asymmetric decentralized system. For this reason, further research is needed that can examine unique regional management strategies to strengthen regional autonomy and fiscal independence.

Transferring Power to Maintain Control: Decentralization as a National-Level Electoral Strategy in Western Europe

abstract: Why do national governments choose to transfer some of their administrative, political, and fiscal powers to regional authorities? This article develops and tests a nationally focused strategic account: decentralization is a targeted means to bolster a governing party's national-level electoral strength by appeasing the voters of threatening ethnoterritorial parties in national parliamentary elections. Statistical analyses of decentralization across the subnational regions of Western European countries confirm that governing parties transfer additional competencies to regions in which an ethnoterritorial party threat exists, when the government is legislatively vulnerable. In contrast, if a government is not dependent on a region for maintaining national parliamentary control, the presence of a strong ethnoterritorial opponent will not motivate the government to decentralize. These findings help to explain patterns of asymmetrical decentralization across regions within a country and why governing parties decentralize competencies to subnational governments that they do not expect to control.

Special Autonomy Fund as Implementation of Special Autonomy Policy Aceh

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the implementation of the Special Autonomy Fund in Aceh, an initiative that stems from decentralization policy reform in Indonesia that aims to promote regional development and resolve armed conflicts in Aceh. Through the literature study method, this study investigates the evolution of special autonomy policies, starting from the enactment of Law No. 22/1999 and Law No. 25/1999, to the ratification of Law No. 11 of 2006 concerning the Government of Aceh, which marked the transition from centralist government to decentralization, giving Aceh broad autonomy in various aspects of local life. Analysis of the data shows that the allocation of the Special Autonomy Fund, which began in 2008 and will continue until 2027, fluctuated, with an increase over the first 15 years followed by an anticipated gradual decline. The results of the study confirm that the Government of Aceh has succeeded in realizing most of the allocated funds, with emphasis on infrastructure, economy, poverty reduction, as well as education, social, and health, illustrating Aceh's effectiveness in using funds for development and community welfare. The study concludes that the Special Autonomy Fund has become an effective policy instrument in supporting Aceh's regional autonomy and sustainable development. These findings provide important implications for policymaking in other regions with similar uniqueness in Indonesia, offering insight into how asymmetric decentralization can be used as a tool for managing diversity within a unitary state.

Quo Vadis Aceh is A Special Autonomous Region in The State of The Republic of Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to re-actualize Pancasila as a state ideology, especially the 3rd principle, namely Indonesian Unity. The meaning of unity is considered to be fading given the existence of Aceh, which in the past eighteen years has seen its status degraded, both explicitly and implicitly, especially about Aceh's authority as a special autonomous region. Theoretical framework: this study compares constitutional theory through the text and context of Article 18B paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution and the Amendment Results. Next is the concept of asymmetric decentralization through Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Aceh Government (UUPA). Method: The study used normative legal studies, where data collection is carried out using library research with a focus on the application of norms in the UUPA. Presented in a descriptive-analytical manner, by examining the implementation of UUPA based on juridical, historical, political, and social aspects, to find the concrete reality of the implementation of special autonomy in Aceh currently, and its projections in the future. Results and Conclusions: The study shows that in the early days of Aceh's special autonomy, relations with the Central Government were constructive. Aceh has become the center of national mainstreaming. However, recently, conditions no longer work that way. The existence of the UUPA as a document for Aceh's development after the earthquake-tsunami and armed conflict is no longer a special concern for Jakarta, and this threatens the sense of unity of this country.

The Distinctive Asymmetrical Decentralization in the Archipelagic Region: The Case of West Nusa Tenggara Province of Indonesia

Decentralization has repercussions for the area in a variety of areas, including political, social, cultural, financial, defense and security, and public services, among others. Sumbawa Island and Lombok Island are the two principal islands that make up West Nusa Tenggara. There are 280 islands in all, 32 of which are inhabited. Sumbawa Island is one-third the size of Lombok Island in terms of area, but Lombok Island has a population that is about three times that of Sumbawa Island. This study contends that because the archipelagic region is not organized by its island-specific traits but rather around land-based development, this has the potential to exacerbate discrepancies between islands. This study found that, there are only minimal maritime authorities in the archipelagic province in managing archipelagic water, and there is fiscal and ethnic disparity between the Lombok and Sumbawa Islands. Moreover, there are inequalities in health care facilities and medical staff between Lombok and Sumbawa Island, the small population of Sumbawa Island has an impact on educational resources, and the maritime infrastructure on the other small islands surrounding Sumbawa Island is inadequate.

Legal Politics Legislative Law Number 13 of 2012 Concerning Privileges of the Special Region of Yogyakarta

The 1945 Constitution has been amended 4 times. The results of the second amendment to the 1945 Constitution, specifically added the formulation of an article regarding special regions. This study aims to analyze the legal politics that underlies the legislative process of Law Number 13 of 2012 concerning Privileges of DIY, related to the problem of how the Special Constituendum of the Special Region of Yogyakarta in the Era of Constitutional Democracy. Legal politics is a legal policy that the government wants to or has implemented nationally. The research method uses a socio-legal research approach . The results of the study show that Indonesia in its regional autonomy concept adheres to asymmetric decentralization, namely by legally recognizing special and special autonomous regions constitutionally. The recognition of the Special Region of Yogyakarta is inseparable from philosophical, sociological and juridical factors. With the enactment of Law Number 13 of 2012 concerning Privileges of DIY, DIY has additional authority apart from the authority already regulated in the Law on Regional Government

Maintaining Monarchy in Amidst Disruptive Era: Case Study of Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta, Indonesia

Monarchy is an interesting political system to study because it is the earliest political system in world history and still exists today with various variations. This article focuses on the Yogyakarta Sultanate which was founded in 1755 as the only monarchy that still exists administratively in the political system of the Republic of Indonesia. This qualitative study finds that Yogyakarta's political system fulfil holistic, adaptive elements and combines old and new elements so that Yogyakarta gets asymmetric decentralization status from the republican central government of Indonesia. However, Yogyakarta has problems in the succession system because it does not yet have written and open rules like the British, Dutch, and Spanish monarchies. This study recommends the importance of a special study of the monarchy with all its survival capabilities in a modern democratic system.

CHALLENGES FOR RIAU PROVINCE TOWARDS ASYMMETRIC DECENTRALIZATION

Riau Province is one of the areas rich in oil and other agricultural products. Therefore, Riau deserves to demand asymmetric decentralization as other places that have granted this decentralization right. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential or things that are considered appropriate to be used as reasons why Riau Province has the right to be made special autonomy or asymmetric decentralization because specific areas that are rich in natural resources. This study uses a qualitative approach using a theory-based system where theory functions as a framework for understanding problems critically. The data collection tool used is the document method that the author collects. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that if viewed from the theory of UGM PLOD Research, Riau deserves asymmetric decentralization when viewed from historical and conflict factors, social and cultural factors, potential and economic growth factors, accelerated development factors, and government capacity. This was due to the joining of Siak Indrapura's work through Sultan Syarif Kasim II to the State of Indonesia and the abundant wealth of Riau. Meanwhile, the factors that do not support the above theory are geographical factors due to the separation of the Riau Islands from Riau itself. To support asymmetrical decentralization, quality resources from the people of Riau are needed so that the mentality of corruption can be removed. In addition, of course, the ability of the Riau people's representatives at the center to lobby the government so that asymmetric decentralization can be realized.

Comparing Symmetric-Asymmetric Decentralization for Reducing Regional Tension: Indonesia and Thailand Experience

In recent years, the growing number of public administration literature has concerned the effectiveness of decentralization to deal with ethnic conflicts. This issue is rising up due to the several failure reports of decentralization to manage the social conflicts and regional tension that possibly evolve into secessionism. This paper intended to explore the performance of symmetric and asymmetric decentralization to manage social conflicts that occurred in Indonesia and Thailand. This descriptive study was conducted through a qualitative approach and strengthened by analytical thinking exposure. Papua province, Indonesia, and some provinces in southern Thailand had been selected as the case study due to their political decision for implementing asymmetric and symmetric decentralization to manage ethnic conflict in each region. The result shows that either symmetric or asymmetric decentralization might be thought of as one of the viable solutions to managing social conflicts. However, both of these decentralization configurations may generate pros and cons impact. It is suggested that policy makers recognize the consequence of each implementation to consider appropriate decision- making. The analysis of this paper shows that symmetric decentralization tends to promote effectiveness and efficiency while asymmetric decentralization will be closer to tolerance and equality.

MENEMUKAN KONSEP IDEAL HUBUNGAN PUSAT DAN DAERAH DALAM BINGKAI NEGARA KESATUAN REPUBLIK INDONESIA

<p><em>Indonesia is a unitary state or negara kesatuan. One of the characteristics of a unitary state is the concentration of all forms of policy on the central government. In other words, the central government has very broad authority in regulating policies in the regions. On the other hand, policies that tend to be more centralized can cause injustice to diversity in the regions, especially for Indonesia, which is geographically an archipelagic country that has very diverse customs and cultures, so the needs in each region are very complex.</em></p><p><em>Therefore, this paper offers a system of residual asymmetric decentralization that can be applied in Indonesia by rigidly dividing the authority of the central and regional governments. Such a division of authority is an urgent matter so that there is no longer any authority overlap between the central and regional governments. Besides that, the distribution of authority in this way can also further emphasize the characteristics of decentralization within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.</em></p>

The Effectiveness of Aceh’s Special Autonomy Fund in Allocation to Poverty Alleviation, Education, and Health Sector

This research aims to analysis the effectiveness of the allocation of Aceh’s special autonomy fund for development in the sectors of poverty alleviation, education, and health during the period of 2017 to 2022. The method used in this study is qualitative descriptive with the data collection techniques are interviews and documentation. Moreover, this research focus on the existence of Aceh as an asymmetric decentralization. The theory that used to strengthen the argument is public management theory and used the concept of effectiveness. The result showed that during the period of Irwandi Yusuf-Nova Iriansyah, the allocation of Aceh’s special autonomy fund has not been effective for development in Aceh, especially in the sector of poverty, improving the quality of education and health. It is because of the management of the special autonomy fund’s allocation is not optimal implemented since the planning to the controlling. It has the impact to the allocation of Aceh’s special autonomy fund which is not well-targeted to achieve the goals and to improve the society’s welfare.

Asymmetric Decentralization on the Recognition of Customary Law Community Units turned Customary Villages in Indonesia

<em>Transformation from a customary law community unit (kesatuan masyarakat hukum adat) in Indonesia into a customary village (desa adat) indicates a move enacted by the government of Indonesia to promote asymmetric decentralization. The problem that arises therein is the loss of self-governing community autonomy when the autonomy is combined with local self-government functions, especially when the supervision from the central government to local units in each local government becomes too excessive. As such, the study aims to examine how asymmetric decentralization affects the paradigm of recognition of government functions (local self-government) in customary law community units turned customary villages. The focus of this research is on the recognition of the Baduy tribe in Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province as a customary village. The output of this research is to know the consequences of adopting asymmetric decentralization to the paradigm of local self-government in customary law community units that become customary villages.</em>

Asymmetric Decentralization and Paradigm Shift in the Development of Border Areas of Indonesia

Asymmetric Decentralization and Paradigm Shift in the Development of Border Areas of Indonesia