Government Decentralization Research Articles

Regional financial potential after the enactment of the law on the financial relations between central government and regional governments in Indonesia

The implementation of government decentralization in Indonesia is facing regulatory problems for autonomous regions’ financing sources. Therefore, attention to regional finance is increasingly needed given that autonomous regions are required to carry out various central government interests in addition to their affairs. This leads to a split of power over financing development policy by the regional government. However, this does not mean that the local government’s financial needs must be free from the central government’s intervention. This study briefly compares financing regional autonomy in Indonesia, France, Germany and Thailand. The results show that the distribution of financial resources between the central government and regional governments is inconsistent with Article 18A section 2 of Law No.1/2022. The results also show that the provisions of various sources of taxation and levy have not met the financial needs of regions in Indonesia. Financial balance in the form of Natural Resources Production Sharing Fund from various natural resources owned by regions that only share unrenewable resources such as mining excavated materials remains unequally distributed between regions that have natural resources.

Scoping review of marine fisheries governance in the Philippines: Goals, instruments, actions, opportunities and challenges

Effective fisheries governance has long been a challenge to achieve across the globe with critical implications for food security and livelihoods in coastal zones. This is especially true for the Philippines, an archipelagic country with abundant coastal biodiversity. While scholars have investigated specific elements of fisheries governance in the Philippines, none has sought to make holistic sense in terms of the coherence of its goals, instruments, actions, opportunities, and challenges. To address this gap, a scoping review was conducted based upon 160 published articles. Results of the study reveal that marine fisheries governance in the Philippines is primarily dominated by participatory governance, specifically co-management, which encourages public-private partnerships. This collaborative arrangement is legally empowered by legislation that provides the mandate for the decentralization of fisheries governance – the Local Government Code of 1991 and the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. Marine fisheries governance is primarily oriented towards biodiversity conservation, an overarching goal necessary to achieve other social, economic, and cultural goals. In order to achieve these goals, a combination of hard and soft instruments is typically employed in governance operations in tandem with, predominantly, surveillance and enforcement actions. Opportunities in fisheries governance are principally institutional factors (i.e. institutional linkages), whereas challenges are mostly resource-oriented factors (i.e. illegal fishing). More broadly, marine fisheries governance in the Philippines has evolved in response to historical political processes and especially the dynamics of power relations among key actors – the state, market and civil society - and the struggle for decolonization.

Analysis of Decentralization in the Central Government's Acquisition of Provincial Road Management

Infrastructure is a crucial aspect necessary for a state to perform its various functions. One type of infrastructure that plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth mobility of the general public is roads. Unfortunately, in Indonesia, the quality of road networks cannot be described as ideal. The substandard condition of these roads has drawn public concern, particularly following a social media post by a resident of Lampung Province criticizing the quality of roads there. In response to this public attention, the Central Government decided to assume the duties, authority, and responsibility for repairing 15 (fifteen) roads in Lampung Province. This decision has sparked new concerns among the public regarding the centralization of duties, authority, and responsibilities, which could undermine the spirit of decentralization. Based on the findings presented in this article, it can be asserted that the central government's assumption of the duties, authority, and responsibilities of local governments does not violate prevailing laws and regulations and is in accordance with them. Nevertheless, the phenomenon of the central government taking over these responsibilities warrants attention. This case highlights that the Lampung Provincial Government is not entirely capable of managing the tasks mandated by the Central Government. Therefore, from the findings of this case, it is evident that there is still a significant need for the maturation of Regional Governments in fulfilling the duties, authority, and responsibilities entrusted to them.

Indigenous autonomy and decentralization in Colombia's quest for peace

AbstractColombia's constitution recognizes territorial autonomy as an inalienable right of its indigenous peoples, much like other countries across Latin America. Yet, for indigenous people exercising those rights, Colombia is the most dangerous country in the world. Why do states grant extensive rights to indigenous peoples and then fail to uphold them? This article approaches that question through an analysis of decentralization amid Colombia's armed conflict. It examines how crises that prompted a decentralization of governance during the conflict created political opportunities for indigenous rights in Colombia. Subsequent shifts in the conflict, however, including competition for control of extractive industries, put indigenous autonomy at odds with all the conflicting parties' interests. To resolve these challenges, the article suggests that the politics of climate change has created new political opportunities for indigenous autonomy throughout Latin America. It calls for investing in indigenous self‐governance to both protect the environment and secure peace.

Decentralized Governance and the Performance of Garissa County, Kenya

Devolution is the strongest form of governance decentralization. Devolution involves rescaling of responsibilities or powers from the national to the regional political organization. The actual form and politics of such rescaling will vary substantially between states, however, amounting to a radical transfer of powers and resources in some cases and a more modest and rhetorical shift of responsibility and service delivery in others. The conceptual scope of this study will be limited to four governance structures variables namely financial decentralization, administrative decentralization, political decentralization and citizen participation. This study targeted staff of Garissa County and were composed of senior managers, middle level managers and operational staff. The study employed descriptive survey design. The researcher used questionnaires as research instruments to collect data to the study. The study adopted both primary and secondary data analysis research design. Primary data was collected using semi structured questionnaires containing both closed and open-ended questions to allow variety. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In addition, the study used multiple regression analysis to analyze the data. From the study findings, this study concluded that administration decentralization has a significant and a positive effect on the performance of Garissa County. The study also concluded that political decentralization has a significant and a positive effect on the performance of Garissa County. From the findings, the study further concluded that financial decentralization had significant and a positive effect on the performance of Garissa County. The study finally concluded that citizen participation had a significant and positive effect on the performance of Garissa County. The study recommended that the government should increase county government autonomy to promote administrative decentralization. The study also recommended that national and county governments should put in place measures to safeguard the independence of political decentralization. The study further recommended that national and county governments should put in place a set of deliberate and proactive processes, policies and structures that support financial decentralization. Finally, the study recommended that county governments should improve citizen participation practices to ensure citizen involvement in governance.

How does technological innovation affect the fiscal decentralization of local governments? Evidence from China

Technological innovation is a pivotal driver of high-quality economic development, and China's distinctive fiscal decentralization model stands out as a crucial institutional factor behind the country's economic growth miracle. Despite its significant academic and practical implications, there is a noticeable scarcity of literature on examining government fiscal decentralization through the lens of technological innovation. This paper addresses fundamental research questions regarding the relationship between technological innovation and fiscal decentralization. Leveraging balanced panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning 2005 to 2020, our findings indicate that technological innovation positively impacts the fiscal decentralization of local governments. Specifically, for each standard deviation increase in technological innovation, there is a corresponding 0.1508 standard deviation in fiscal decentralization. The mechanism driving this relationship lies in technological innovation's ability to enhance enterprise profit levels, increasing tax and non-tax revenues for local governments. Importantly, when non-tax revenue at the central government level surpasses tax revenue, the resulting augmentation in local government revenue contributes to an elevated level of fiscal decentralization. In conclusion, this paper offers valuable insights into the government's endeavors to promote scientific and technological innovation while enhancing local fiscal decentralization. These insights contribute to an improved quality of economic development.

Enhancing urban public service efficiency through the national civilized city policy: an empirical analysis of 282 cities in China from 2005 to 2019

ABSTRACT Public service supply is a cornerstone of urban functionality, with enhancing efficiency being pivotal for sustainable urban development. In China’s urban development strategy, the National Civilized City (NCC) policy stands out as a key tool aimed at bolstering public service efficiency. By analyzing data from 282 Chinese cities spanning 2005 to 2019 and employing the ‘authoritative incentive-technology control’ framework, this study utilizes a fixed-effect regression model to delve into the mechanisms underlying the NCC policy’s impact on public service efficiency. Key findings include: (1) Notably, the NCC policy significantly improves urban public service efficiency, primarily propelled by directives from central authorities (2) The effectiveness of the policy varies across administrative tiers, with a more pronounced impact observed in lower-level cities.(3) Technical control mechanisms, particularly constraint controls, predominantly sustain policy effects (4) The enhancement of urban public services in China hinges on top-down policy incentives, emblematic of a dynamic central-local relationship characterized by the upward transfer of policy power and governance decentralization.

Polycentric governance in practice: the case of Ukraine’s decentralised crisis response during the Russo-Ukrainian war

Public choice scholars have long argued that the decentralisation of governance has substantial benefits, though the specific context is necessary to understand why and how it works well. This article provides an Ostromian analysis of decentralised governance in Ukraine based on a wartime survey of 204 Ukrainian local authorities (LAs), in-depth interviews and focus groups with LA representatives. The article identifies empirical evidence of three mechanisms of polycentricity at play locally in Ukraine: the facilitation of local knowledge; resource mobilisation; and the enablement of experimentation and innovation. One year into the full-scale Russian invasion, empirical insights from Ukraine demonstrate how a polycentric governance system can contribute to resilience in a protracted and extreme crisis. The research findings also highlight the critical role of personal communication and technology in enabling social innovation that supports resilience.

INDONESIAN STATE LAW IN ITS HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE AND DEVELOPMENT

<p>The history of Indonesian constitutional law began in the Dutch colonial period when Indonesia was still called the Dutch East Indies. Then after Indonesia's independence in 1945, for the first time formed a constitution or Basic Law. The focus of the study in this study is to try to explain the development of Indonesian constitutional law from the Old Order era to reform. This is to find out how the history of the development of Indonesian constitutional law from time to time, especially from the beginning of independence to reformation. The method in this study is qualitative, with a historical approach. The data collection method used is the method of library research (library research). Then analyzed using the descriptive-analytic method. At the beginning of independence in 1945, Indonesia's constitutional law was contained in the 1945 Constitution. The 1945 Constitution described Indonesia as a unitary state with a president as the head of state as well as a democratic head of government. Besides that, under Soekarno's government, constitutional law was regulated in several constitutions, including the 1949 RIS constitution and the 1950 UUDS. And Soekarno's government at that time was known for its nationalist and anti-capitalist politics. The Suharto government was known for its authoritarian politics, political stability, and economic growth. Finally, during the reform period, after the fall of President Soeharto in 1998, Indonesia underwent significant political reforms. Constitutional law is regulated in the 1945 Constitution with several amendments which emphasize the principles of democracy, human rights, decentralization of government, and increased political participation. The history of the development of constitutional law in Indonesia in general shows quite dynamic developments and always follows changes according to political and socio-cultural developments in Indonesia.</p>

Impact of IT governance mechanisms on IT-enabled dynamic capabilities to achieve firm performance: role of moderators

PurposeAlthough information technology (IT) governance and IT capability have been extensively examined, the impact of IT governance mechanisms on IT-enabled dynamic capability (ITDC) with moderators has received less attention. This study investigates how the impact of IT governance mechanisms on firm performance is achieved through an ITDC through the moderating role of IT governance decentralization and a turbulent environment.Design/methodology/approachThis study extends from the traditional view of IT capabilities and integrates dynamic capability theory to propose that IT governance is vital for the ITDC. Path analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and moderation analysis were performed using partial least squares (Smart PLS 3.0) as the data analysis methods. This study empirically tests the proposed mediated moderation model by using data collected from 254 firms in China to test the hypotheses.FindingsSignificant and impactful relationships are found in the model that includes turbulent environment moderating effects. Contrary to expectations, IT governance decentralization is also significant but not very strong.Research limitations/implicationsThis study’s findings have implications for investigating IT governance, IT-enabled capabilities and moderators. Accordingly, this study has implications for board and executive management to capitalize on dynamic IT capability, to keep pace with the challenges and turbulent conditions associated with business needs and for the productivity paradox in the context of Chinese firms.Originality/valueThis country-specific research study theoretically contributes to the IT governance, dynamic capabilities and turbulent environment in the information systems literature and proposes many practical guides to the board and executive management of companies in the Chinese context.

Cooperation with international organizations as a factor in increasing the state’s competitiveness and modernization of public administration in the field of regional development (the example of Turkey)

The article is devoted to analyzing the role of international organizations in enhancing the competitiveness of the state and modernizing public administration in regional development. The authors examined how the “policy transfer” takes place and affects the state’s competitiveness in Turkey’s example. Based on the concept of Rose on “policy transfer” and the study of E. Ertugal on the interaction of Turkey with the EU in this sphere, the authors explored the causes and methods of policy transfer of regional development; what roles do international organizations, such as the EU and the OECD, play in this process, what stages and results of policy transfer of regional development in Turkey. The authors characterized the features of the stages of policy transfer of regional development, determined the dynamics of integration of Turkey to the EU depending on the adaptation of its regional standards, legislation, and institutions to the European requirements, and increased Turkey’s competitiveness level. This improved the image of Turkey as a reliable and progressive partner and increased its attractiveness to foreign investors, trade partners, and tourists. Policy transfers of regional development also contributed to the modernization and diversification of Turkey’s economy, as it stimulated the development of regions that traditionally lagged the central and coastal areas. This enabled the country to use its potential in agriculture, industry, energy, transport, education, science, and innovation. This also helped to reduce regional inequality, poverty, and social tension, especially among the Kurdish population. The authors note that policy transfer of regional development also contributed to the enhancement of democracy and decentralization of governance in Turkey, as it strengthened the role and responsibility of regional and local authorities, as well as involved the public and civil society organizations in the process of planning and implementation of regional policy. This also enabled the country to increase its transparency, objectivity, and openness and prevent and fight corruption and clientelism. Keywords: cooperation, international organizations, competitiveness, public administration, regional development.

Digital Transformation-driven Decentralisation of Public Governance

Decentralisation, also referred to as administrative decentralisation, has gained wide recognition as a governance model associated with efficient use of resources and innovative public service delivery. Thus, it is no surprise that many unitary countries and transnational governments have embraced this public governance model. Most recently, the discourse on decentralisation of public governance has become intertwined with digital transformation within the public sector. The rationale is that digital transformation was found to support the decentralisation of public governance, improving overall organisational efficiency and the creation of added public value for citizens. Based on a systematic literature review and fifteen semi-structured interviews with public sector experts, the paper discusses how digital transformation enables the decentralisation of public governance. Digital transformation supports public organisations’ efforts to gain the most out of public governance decentralisation as it improves the efficiency of local and federal governments, citizen participation, citizen empowerment, public trust, and continuance of public administration.

Achievements and Issues of Geographical Studies on Decentralization: Focus on Decentralization of Authority, Financial Resources and Government

Achievements and Issues of Geographical Studies on Decentralization: Focus on Decentralization of Authority, Financial Resources and Government

Era Reformasi: Implementasi Negara Hukum dan Demokrasi di Indonesia

The history of the Indonesian constitution can be said to have gone through various stages of development. Each stage gives rise to a unique constitutional model. After the New Order and the 1998 events, Indonesia began a new chapter in the reform era which saw several government era changes. Each government has its own characteristics in running its government. The aim of writing this article is to understand the implementation of the rule of law and democracy in reform. This research is qualitative research that is bibliographic in nature (library research) to examine the concept of the legal state as the main object in this research. The research results show that a constitutionally based rule of law in a country has characteristics that are each adapted to the nation's philosophy and legal ideals. Therefore, in a democratic rule of law, it is the people who are considered to determine the enactment of a constitution. The embodiment of democratization in Indonesia is the existence of the concept of government decentralization since the reform era as an anti-thesis to the concept of centralization implemented by the New Order. The implication is that there is a shift in the locus of power from the center to the regions. With the spirit of decentralization, regions increasingly have broader autonomous authority.

Ensuring Legal Safeguards for Digitalized Social Services within the Framework of Government Decentralization

The purpose of the study is to digitize the social services system in the context of decentralization of power: legal regulation and areas of improvement. Main content. It has been established that new online services are being introduced in Ukraine to enable consumers to receive such services virtually. In our opinion, in the future, these services should simplify the procedure for access to them, taking into account the entities which are primarily interested in using them, and expand the scope of their provision: from informing the consumer to obtaining the result. The society and science development requires the introduction of new technologies into the service system. It has been concluded that the need to use information technologies in judicial proceedings is due to the global informational support of modern society, and development of new interaction forms in the social area using electronic means of communication: the global Internet, mobile and satellite communication systems. The author reveals the essence of "Portal Diia", which is introduced within the framework of the Unified Social Information System of a single electronic document in the social matters, and highlighted the disadvantage of this application: ensuring the protection of personal data, and access to information about the citizen sphere of interests accumulated in computer networks.

Asserting and transcending ethnic homophily: How entrepreneurs develop social ties to access resources and opportunities in socially contested environments

AbstractResearch SummaryIn socially contested settings, it is often difficult to connect with (diverse) others, and it is unclear how entrepreneurs in these contexts may develop the social ties that previous research has shown to be valuable. We studied this subject matter in Kenya, an ethnically fractionalized society that recently experienced the decentralization of government, which required entrepreneurs to deal with both in‐group and out‐group ethnicities. We conducted an inductive case study of four Nairobi‐based companies and captured the creative tactics that they used to transcend ethnic homophily (by defocusing from ethnicity and reframing the in‐group) while also asserting ethnic homophily (by signaling tribal affiliation and leveraging others' ethnicity). We contribute to a deeper understanding of how and why entrepreneurs in socially contested settings develop social ties.Managerial SummaryEntrepreneurs in socially contested settings rely on social networks to access resources and opportunities. However, it is unclear how entrepreneurs in these settings develop and use these networks. We studied this question in an ethnically fractionalized setting that recently experienced the decentralization of government: Kenya. Entrepreneurs who previously provided information technology (IT) services to the central government had to deal with both own‐tribe and other‐tribe contacts to receive new contracts. We studied four Nairobi‐based IT firms that operated across a variety of counties and analyzed the creative tactics that entrepreneurs in this context use to cross ethnic divides while also working with own‐tribe contacts. This contributes to our collective understanding of how and why entrepreneurs in socially contested settings develop diverse social ties to access resources and opportunities.

Ekaterinburg (Sverdlovsk) During NEP Years: Organization of City Government System

The article discusses the activities of various levels of government structures (city council, gubernatorial, district and regional executive and party bodies) in managing EkaterinburgSverdlovsk during the NEP years. It is established that during this period, the central government was faced with a choice between centralism or decentralization in local governance and the delineation of powers between councils and different levels of regional government. It is noted that in practice, a multilevel system of city management was formed, which had both positive and negative aspects. It is shown that on the one hand, in conditions of weak city authority and a shortage of city budget, the intervention of regional authorities in urban issues and financial injections from their side allowed for the successful resolution of acute urban economic issues. On the other hand, such a system of power significantly limited the authority of the city council, pushing it to other government structures. As a result, the author concludes that the city council was not a full-fledged, independent administrative unit, and its competence in managing the city was significantly limited. This situation is explained by the fact that the main decisions regarding the directions of city development were made by regional authorities, which did not always positively affect the effectiveness of urban management.

Crowdfunding using Blockchain

Abstract: Our project aims to build a decentralised crowdfunding platform utilising blockchain technology, removing middlemen for improved efficiency and trust. Transparency allows backers to follow contributions in real-time, reducing fraud, and smart contracts automate crowdfunding rules, maintaining integrity. This study offers recommendations for practical application, redesigning crowdfunding for inclusive and safe support of creative ventures. Future goals include expanding investment options, assisting research projects, integrating support for many cryptocurrencies, and putting decentralised governance and due diligence systems in place. We picture a revolutionary platform that empowers global creators and backers.

KAJIAN DESKRIPSI PELAKSANAAN OTONOMI DAERAH ORGANISASI PERANGKAT DAERAH (OPD)

This article aims to describe the Regional Apparatus Organization (OPD) of Palu City. The implementation of regional autonomy has been implemented effectively since January 1 2002. The implementation of regional autonomy is a policy that is considered very democratic and fulfills the aspects of true government decentralization. This research uses a descriptive approach by explaining in detail the conditions of OPD in Palu City. For regional governments, DAU receipts through transfers from the central government are a source of funding that can be used to carry out their authority, while funding shortfalls are expected to be recovered through their own funding sources, namely through receipts from PAD sources. However, in reality, transfers from the central government are the main source of funds for regional governments to finance their main day-to-day operations or regional expenditure, which regional governments reportedly take into account in the APBD.

The decentralization of public employment services and local governments’ responses to incentives

Abstract We examine how the decentralization of public employment services (PES) affects the behavior and service provision of PES offices and the labor market outcomes of job seekers. We use difference-in-differences, utilizing a Finnish temporary reform during which PES were decentralized for specific groups of job seekers in treated municipalities and remained centralized for others. The reform presented the treated municipalities with the possibility of shifting costs to the central government. We find no evidence of better labor market outcomes and find evidence consistent with municipalities being able to shift 10% of their unemployment benefit costs to the central government.