Local Leaders Research Articles

IMPLIKASI KARAKTERISTIK BUDAYA MASYARAKAT DALAM PENGELOLAAN HUTAN LINDUNG GUNUNG SIRIMAU KOTA AMBON PROVINSI MALUKU

This study examines the cultural characteristics of communities living around the Sirimau Protected Forest and their impact on sustainable forest management. The surrounding indigenous communities hold a deeply rooted cultural system that includes language, knowledge systems, social organization, technology, livelihoods, and religious beliefs, all of which influence their approach to natural resource management. One of the core elements is local ecological knowledge—an understanding of the forest’s ecosystem, flora, fauna, and geography that has been passed down through generations. Key social structures, such as the roles of local leaders (raja), community councils (saniri), and forest guardians (kewang), play a significant role in ecological stewardship through customary regulations, including the sasi tradition, which restricts forest use during specific periods to prevent overexploitation. The research emphasizes the importance of involving indigenous communities in forest management decision-making processes, which not only supports ecosystem sustainability but also preserves the cultural identity and values of these communities. Findings from this study advocate for community-based forest management approaches that integrate social, economic, and cultural aspects to achieve optimal environmental sustainability.

Digital Leadership in Realizing Bureaucratic Reform in the South Sulawesi Provincial Government

Bureaucratic reform efforts over the years have yet to yield optimal results, leaving government bureaucracy associated with pathologies such as corruption, collusion, nepotism (KKN), slow service performance, and an inability to meet public satisfaction. Digital leadership among heads of local government agencies is expected to contribute significantly to achieving bureaucratic reform. This study aims to analyze the role of digital leadership in facilitating bureaucratic reform in South Sulawesi Province and to formulate a digital leadership model for effective bureaucratic reform. The research employs digital leadership theory as outlined by Klein (2020), which encompasses business characteristics, attitudinal characteristics, and general characteristics, serving as the analytical framework to assess the state of digital leadership among local government leaders in South Sulawesi. The study adopts a qualitative descriptive method, with primary data collected through observations and interviews with key informants. Data analysis techniques include data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. The findings conclude that: 1) Not all local government leaders possess effective digital leadership skills, which results in suboptimal contributions to bureaucratic reform. This is evident through the evaluation of business characteristics, attitudinal characteristics, and general characteristics that have yet to support reform in institutional structuring, administrative processes, human resource management, and service delivery. 2) The researcher formulated the “S4P Digital Leadership Model,” developed from Klein’s (2020) digital leadership model, which is believed to contribute to more effective bureaucratic reform. The novelty of this model lies in the incorporation of local wisdom dimensions—Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, Sipakinge, and Sirri na Pacce—as well as digital leadership prerequisites such as digital literacy, innovation, and collaboration. This comprehensive, contextually relevant, and responsive model can be implemented across different regions in Indonesia, utilizing local cultural values as guiding principles for governance and public service delivery.

Serving with Values in Challenging Times: Exploring Institutional Leaders' Values Work at Local Level During COVID-19

While existing literature mostly analyzes public leaders' pandemic responses, limited attention has been paid to local government leaders in terms of values work. This study examines the values created and infused by senior managers who serve as institutional leaders in local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on the data collected from the responses of the sample set, the study aims to illuminate the processes of creating and infusing values among senior managers of a metropolitan municipality in Türkiye. For this aim, interviews were conducted with 11 senior managers of this metropolitan municipality. The findings produced within the scope of two propositions firstly reveal three types of value created for, and infused into the organization: personal, organizational, and service-related. Secondly, the study identifies the uniform process devoted to values work among senior managers and reveals that there are no significant differences in the styles of creating and infusing values (i.e., values work) among managers at different levels of local government in challenging times.

The effects of conflicting economic and environmental goals on local governments’ responses to citizens’ complaints: evidence from China

PurposeThe paper examines how local governments’ responses to citizens’ complaints about environment issues are affected when the complaints involve conflicting goals, particularly economic versus environmental goals. This study focuses on the responsiveness of provincial governments to citizen environmental complaints on the Local Leader Message Board (LLMB) in China.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected 125,364 environment-related complaints lodged by citizens on the LLMB from 2013 to 2021 and identified complaints embodying conflicting goals through a Structural Topic Model (STM). Advanced supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms were employed to enhance the robustness of the findings.FindingsThe results indicate that provincial governments prioritize citizens’ complaints across different types of issues. However, complaints embodying conflicting goals (related to environmental issues) are less likely to get a response. This relationship is moderated by an inverted U-shaped effect of economic dependence on industries. This suggests that the impact of conflicting goals on government responsiveness is dynamic, with the likelihood of provincial governments responding to conflicting complaints initially increasing and then decreasing as economic dependence on industries rises.Originality/valueThe findings enrich the understanding of the consequences of conflicting goals by highlighting their potential as a mechanism to explain the strategic reactions of governments to citizens.

Official Turnover and Embodied Carbon Emissions: Evidence From Industrial Linkages in China's Prefecture‐Level Cities

ABSTRACTCarbon emission is the most critical environmental pollution issue today. However, regional trade and industrial linkages have changed the traditional carbon emission pattern. As a public product with strong negative externalities, carbon emissions inevitably lead to severe consequences if the market is allowed to adjust itself. Therefore, public policies made by government officials have an important role in environmental governance and emission reduction. This paper uses China's Multi‐regional Input‐Output (MRIO) table and official turnover data of 269 prefecture‐level cities in China for the empirical test. The results show that official turnover has a significant positive impact on embodied carbon emissions between regions. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the inter‐provincial turnover of officials and the turnover between regional central cities results in more significant embodied carbon emissions. Further research finds that the longer the officials stay in their previous positions or as new local government leaders, the greater the embodied carbon emissions caused by their turnover. In addition, the turnover of officials affects interregional embodied carbon emissions by promoting regional entrepreneurship, venture capital and structure transformation of industries. The findings of this paper provide essential enlightenment for optimizing Chinese local government governance and promoting the transformation of the economic development mode.

Perceptions of Local and Traditional Government Leaders for Enhancing Community Development

Purpose: There are two key governance forms in Ghana, specifically traditional governance and democratic governance. Accelerating development in the local communities requires effective collaboration and the fusion of the two governances divide to harness the unique capabilities and opportunities embedded within each paradigm. The perceptions hold by local and traditional leaders about each other is fundamental to collaborative efforts. Such perceptions speak to the psychosocial, convictional and behaviour of local leaders. Methodology: This study through a field survey samples the views of two leadership divide about each other in terms of their ability to drive positive change in the community to drive accelerated community development. The study was conducted among three select districts specifically, the Accra Metropolis, Kumasi Metropolis and the Tamale Metropolis using key informant interviews, and focus group discussions to gather the data. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: The findings of the study indicated that there are shared perceptions of strengths of both systems of governance for developing local communities. The traditional leaders are seen to be strong on cultural legitimacy, moral authority, communication competence, and historical knowledge, all of which helps in social mobilization within the local communities. The local government leaders were found to exercise strength in the areas of access to money and resources, legal authority, and enforcement authority. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: We conclude that there are opportunities to harness each of these strengths such that a successful fusion of local and traditional systems of government will lead transformative leadership for sustainable local development.

Development of a localized Web-based GIS Visualization Platform as a tool for Disseminating Habitat Abundance of Aedes Mosquito Vectors in the Philippines

Abstract. Disseminating up-to-date information on dengue mosquito habitats aided by modern GIS approach would yield benefits to people being informed on the localized developments of the vector and therefore reduce people’s risk of being affected by the disease. This paper discusses the development of this monitoring and sensing mechanism through a Web-based GIS mapping and visualization. It utilizes the environmental, WHO dengue indices and weather information for a case of a city in the Philippines to visualize hotspot areas for habitats of dengue vectors. The paper would aid the government in deploying key assets and supporting DOH’s 5S drive or Search, Self, Seek, Support and Sustain strategy to curtail the spread of the disease. Through this paper, the author intends to develop a localized web-based platform Aedes mosquito vector. Presented in this study provides the data workflow from field observations and the inputs from environmental and meteorological data which has the potential to help enhance the data dissemination as well as the IEC campaign of local health leaders in reducing the mortality and morbidity of people affected by Dengue mosquitoes. This visualization platform includes an easy to set-up system using the available Web-based GIS which can be updated depending on the availability of field data and meteorological observations.

Exploring the long-term impact of a nurse-midwife mentorship intervention in Neno district, Malawi: a secondary data analysis of maternal and neonatal complications

Abstract Background There is critical need to strengthen the global nursing and midwifery workforce. This is especially true in Malawi where they are the primary providers of obstetric and neonatal care. In Neno district, Malawi, in 2017, we implemented an intensive training and longitudinal bedside mentorship intervention for nurses and midwives. From inception, there was a pre-planned project target completion after 5 years, including a staged handover to local ownership after 3 years. The objective of this study was to assess differences in reported maternal and neonatal complications following project completion and handover to local leadership. Methods The project was a partnership between an academic institution and local nongovernmental organization. In October 2020, the intervention was handed over and maintained by the local organization with limited support from the academic institution. Data from January 2019 to May 2023 were extracted from the Malawi District Health Information Software 2. Bivariate analyses explored differences in the pre- and post-handover periods for all government-collected, birth-related variables. The “pre-handover” period encompassed January 2019 to September 2020 and “post-handover” from October 2020 to May 2023. Multivariate linear regression explored outcomes while controlling for health facility. Results Data were collected from 10 health facilities in the district and included a total of 23,259 births. Overall, there were few significant changes between periods. Exceptions were in reporting of antepartum hemorrhage (p < 0.01), maternal sepsis (p = 0.01), and manual removal of the placenta (p < 0.01), where we observed decreases in reporting. There was a significant decrease in the reporting of neonatal sepsis (p = 0.01) in the bivariate analysis, which remained only borderline significant in the multivariate model (p = 0.05). Where differences occurred, they were associated with improvements in reported identification of complications and provision of associated emergency care. Conclusions Few differences in reported maternal and neonatal complications between the periods suggest positive impact of the intervention was sustained following project handover and transition of activities to local leadership. These findings strengthen support for longitudinal mentorship as a pivotal component for skill retention after training. Transparent partnerships which include pre-determined end points and time for handover of activities to local ownership are crucial components for sustainability.

Ethical Dilemmas and Their Impact on Accountability in Local Governments: A Study of the Greater Kigezi Sub-Region in Uganda

This study examines the impact of ethical dilemmas on accountability in local governments within the Greater Kigezi sub-region of Uganda comprising of Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Rubanda and Rukiga local governments and therefore, sufficient enough to represent and enable generalization of findings to other local governments in the country. Over the past few decades, public sector reforms have sought to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery. Despite these efforts, Uganda continues to face challenges in maintaining strong accountability systems, particularly at the local government level. Ethical dilemmas—stemming from conflicts of interest, political pressure, resource constraints, and cultural norms—undermine accountability and transparency, leading to corruption and diminished public trust. The study investigates these dynamics by exploring how ethical challenges affect governance in local governments through the aid of questionnaires and interviews with stakeholders drawn from the local governments and opinion leaders who represent the voices of the grassroots. Focusing on the Greater Kigezi sub-region, the research highlights widespread governance issues such as nepotism, political interference, and weak institutional oversight. Findings reveal that ethical dilemmas hinder public sector performance by compromising decision-making and oversight processes. To address these challenges, the study suggests enhancing ethical training, strengthening oversight institutions, fostering civic engagement, and developing clearer policies on ethics and accountability. By implementing these policy reforms, stakeholders can create more transparent and accountable local governance systems that better serve community needs

МЕНДЕЛЬ ХАТАЄВИЧ – ОРГАНІЗАТОР ГОЛОДОМОРУ

The purpose of the article is to highlight the activities of M. Khataevich as the party leader of the Dnipropetrovsk region during the Holodomor in 1933. The decision to appoint M. Khataevich to the post of first secretary of the Dnipropetrovsk regional committee of the Ukrainian Communist Party (of Bolsheviks) was adopted by the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party (of Bolsheviks) on January 24, 1933. The visit of Stalin’s emissary to the Dnipropetrovsk region testifies to the Kremlin’s distrust of the Ukrainian Party-Soviet leadership, which he considered guilty of failure to implement the grain procurement plan of 1932/33. The appointment of M. Khataevich is also explained by the fact that the Dnipropetrovsk region was one of the main producers and suppliers of commercial bread not only in Ukraine, but also in the USSR, and therefore the failure to implement the grain procurement plan by this region affected the ability of the Bolshevik regime to ensure the export of grain to obtain funds for the needs of industrialization. The special status of M. Khataevich as a Kremlin emissary in Ukraine is evidenced by his correspondence with Stalin, which began immediately after his appointment as the first secretary of the Dnipropetrovsk regional committee of the Ukrainian Communist Party (of Bolsheviks). M. Khataevich, as the head of the party organization of the Dnipropetrovsk region, was well aware of the scale of the famine in the region, receiving information from the party’s district committees, district executive committees, the regional health department, the prosecutor’s office, and the bodies of the GPU of the Ukrainian SSR. However, the mass of reports about the famine clearly irritated the first secretary of the Dnipropetrovsk regional committee of the Ukrainian Communist Party (of Bolsheviks). He cynically called such messages “swollen” moods that “spread like a contagion” and which must be “cruelly dealt with”. M. Hatayevich tried to convince that cases of “simulation of hunger” are allegedly widespread. Therefore, he demanded from the secretaries of district committees and heads of district executive committees a thorough and immediate verification of “every fact about hunger, swelling, starvation deaths of collective farm workers and sole proprietors”. M. Hatayevich tried to shift the responsibility for the starvation of the peasants to the local leadership: the administrative apparatus of collective farms, village councils, MTS, which were accused of mismanagement and vandalism. Also, the first secretary of the Dnipropetrovsk regional committee of the Ukrainian Communist Party (of Bolsheviks) was convinced that there was enough bread in the region, which was allegedly stolen by the peasants during the harvest and hid in pits. Therefore, in the conditions of a large-scale famine, M. Hatayevich continued expropriation of peasants’ grain as part of a campaign to create seed funds, which significantly worsened their situation. In addition, instead of providing aid to the starving, in early April 1933, the first secretary of the Dnipropetrovsk regional committee of the UkrainianCommunist Party (of Bolsheviks) made a proposal to organize the resettlement of 16 245 peasant families from other regions of the country during April-June. All these measures, implemented by M. Hatayevich during 1933, allow him to be recognized as one of the organizers of terror by hunger. Key words: Mendel Hatayevich, Dnipropetrovsk region, Holodomor, peasants, repression, grain, famine.

Assessing the impact of a leadership development programme on self-reported confidence of Community Pharmacy Neighbourhood Leads in South East London

Abstract Introduction Community Pharmacy (CP) integration is a key NHS England strategy, including for South East London (SEL) Integrated Care Board (ICB). To drive forward this strategy in SEL, the ICB medicines team created and funded community pharmacy neighbourhood lead (CPNL) roles. The CPNLs provide local leadership to strengthen CP-GP relationships and increase uptake of CP services (now badged Pharmacy First). To support implementation, a leadership programme was developed with system partners and delivered by Kaleidoscope,1 building on previous work.2 Core themes were building trust, driving collaboration and embedding innovation. Aim To measure the confidence level of CPNLs in SEL throughout the development programme, and associated outcomes. Methods There were five leadership sessions delivered to invited CPNLs and ICB colleagues between November 2023 and March 2024. The first and last sessions were face-to-face with the others virtual. Sessions covered both theory and implementation. At the end of each session all participants were asked to complete an online Microsoft forms survey compiled by Kaleidoscope, asking about their confidence in the CPNL role (where 1 is not at all confident and 5 is extremely confident), current relationships locally and actions planned and completed to date, using tick box, Likert scale and free text responses. Data was analysed in Microsoft Excel and through content analysis, with analysis completed for all attendees per session and separately for those attending 4 or 5 sessions. This study received ethics approval from Kingston University Ethics Committee (3396). Results A total of 37 individuals attended one or more sessions, with 16 attending 4 or 5 sessions. For all attendees, mean confidence score increased from 3.7 in session one to 4.14 in session five (out of 5) (session two:3.77; session three:4.05; session 4:4.17). Those who attended four or five sessions finished with a mean confidence score of 4.33, starting at 4.00 (session two:3.86; session three:4.19; session four:4.27). Comments showed participants initially reporting that there was room to improve relationships with key stakeholders, such as clinical directors, GPs, ICB and CP colleagues. By session five confidence had increased with comments noting that there was confidence to meet new people, network appropriately, and fulfil the required role. ‘Through the network we have created through this programme, confidence has grown with shared learning and new relationships.’ Comments were also received relating to improved joint working supporting the rollout of community pharmacy initiatives such as the Pharmacy First scheme. ‘Our confidence has grown, and we are arranging training sessions with the clinical directors with the local surgeries for some of the newer services like Pharmacy First.’ Discussion / Conclusion Our programme has increased CPNL confidence and engagement with local stakeholders, with greater confidence seen in those engaging most with the leadership programme. Limitations include not having consistent attendance at sessions. The launch of the national ‘Pharmacy First’ service halfway through the programme had a significant impact on the community pharmacy sector,3 with CPNLs being pivotal in building success in partnership. Further evaluation should assess impact of CPNLs on community pharmacy service provision and referrals by GPs.

Local directors and corporate social responsibility activities of multinational companies in Africa

AbstractMany multinational companies (MNCs) in Africa claim to support the continent's sustainable development through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. However, the timing and relevance of these projects to local communities have often been questioned. Little is known about how local directors shape the sustainability activities of MNCs in their host regions. Drawing on image motivation theory, we investigated the influence of local directors on MNCs' sustainability activities in Nigeria, an emerging economy. We conducted content analyses and a series of semi‐structured interviews with local directors in MNCs. Consistent with our expectations and stakeholder theory, we find that local directors significantly drive the consistent and continuous sustainable development activities of MNCs through CSR in their host communities. Many local directors indicated that, unlike the traditional approach of MNCs consulting with local leaders, being a director provides the opportunity to understand the firms' activities and advocate for appropriate projects for the host region. The presence of local directors helps bridge the expectation gap between MNCs and the host region. Our study provides evidence of the relevance of local individuals in the directorship of MNCs and their contribution to sustainable development in Africa.

Approaches and Benefits of Teaching English through Literature Curriculum at Myanmar Universities: Insights from Stakeholders

The curriculum serves as a fundamental bridge between teachers and students, fostering an effective learning environment. This qualitative research investigates the pedagogical approaches employed by English literature teachers and evaluates the perceived benefits of using an English literature curriculum in EFL classrooms of Myanmar. The study involved 27 English literature teachers, six government officials, and three local business leaders through interviews, classroom observations, and focus group discussions. Four primary teaching approaches were identified: Paraphrastic, Information-Based, Language-Based, and Integrated Approaches. These methodologies are specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of students, thereby enriching their educational experiences. The research employed purposive sampling to select participants and conducted thematic analysis on the collected data through content and document analysis. The findings underscore the significance of integrating various literature genres, such as prose fiction, short stories, novels, poetry, and drama, into language education. This integration not only enhances language proficiency but also fosters critical thinking and cultural awareness among students. The study highlights the importance of a multifaceted approach to teaching literature, which can cater to different learning styles and preferences. To advance research in EFL education and pedagogy, future studies should focus on investigating specific pedagogical approaches, assessing the impact of digital technologies, and conducting longitudinal studies to deepen the understanding of literature’s role in language learning. The insights from this study provide valuable implications for curriculum developers, educators, and policymakers in enhancing the effectiveness of literature-based language education.

Local leadership in Kashmir: navigating the issues of diversity and compatibility

PurposeThis study explores the diversity and compatibility of leadership in a local context. It aims to understand the interface between traditional and democratic leadership in local governance.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative approach, the researchers collected data through unstructured interviews and utilised thematic analysis for data interpretation.FindingsThe study demonstrated that the emergence of democratic local leadership has not supplanted traditional leaders but rather gained legitimacy and effectiveness by collaborating with them. This study illustrated how traditional and modern democratic leadership can coexist and effectively manage community affairs.Practical implicationsThe study emphasises the potential for traditional leaders to take part in local governance activities, offering a practical tool to improve the effectiveness of local governance. Its findings also underscore the need for collaborative governance to deal with local issues.Originality/valueThis research study contributes to the literature on collaborative governance at the local level. It helps us understand the different types of leaders and their collective efforts in meeting local challenges. It is the first study of its kind in South Asia.

The Impact of Village Fund Allocation on the Economy of Lhokseumawe City

This study aims to investigate the impact of Village Fund allocation on the economy of Lhokseumawe City, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, this research analyzes trends in Village Fund allocation over the past few years through secondary data, and conducts in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders, such as local government officials, community leaders, and local entrepreneurs. The results of the study indicate that the Village Fund has made a significant contribution to local economic growth, including increasing people's purchasing power, creating new job opportunities, and stimulating investment in certain economic sectors. The Village Fund also promotes the development of basic infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems, and healthcare facilities, which enhance accessibility and the quality of life for the community. However, this research also identifies challenges in the management and utilization of the Village Fund, such as issues of transparency, accountability, and the sustainability of fund usage. Policy recommendations are needed to improve the effectiveness of Village Fund allocation and ensure its benefits are equitably distributed among all residents of Lhokseumawe City.

"We Don't Need Any More Martyrs": Anti-War Protests at the University of Iowa 1970

This thesis argues that the May 1970 anti-Vietnam War protests at the University of Iowa were nonviolent compared to similar demonstrations at other colleges. This was due to the actions of University President Willard “Sandy” Boyd, who was able to strike a delicate balance between maintaining civil order and protecting the right to protest. Students protested the joint U.S.-South Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia and the killings of students at Kent State University during a time of intense political upheaval. American politicians and citizens debated how to handle the war in Vietnam best and what course of action to take when coping with anti-war demonstrations. This thesis examines the protests at the University of Iowa to understand better the local political dynamics and how local leaders coped with a dynamic political environment. This thesis uses sources from the University of Iowa archives, the Iowa State Historical Society, and the Daily Iowan archives. While many college and government officials chose to adopt repressive stances towards the protests that occurred nationally, the Iowa protests were de-escalated without any deaths. This resolution gives current elected officials a model of how to maintain civil order without violating the rights of American citizens.

Echoes of Ubuntu Capacity in The Realization of Child Rights Through Ujamaa Intersections – A Case of a Parasocial Work Model in Tanzania

Child rights abuse has become a serious global concern in the 21st century as it has been reflected in the global agenda of SDGs. Tanzania like other developing countries experienced significant child rights abuse in the 1990s due to the influx of the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) which was highly influenced by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, poverty, urbanization, etc. OVC was exposed to the high risk of being deprived of their rights following the failure of the formal systems and the shortage of childcare workforce that necessitated the government to involve the key child welfare stakeholders to revitalize and capacitate among the Ujamaa Intersections Models (UIM) under Ubuntu philosophy. Ultimate the country successfully designed an Indigenous cadre of para-social work (PSW) that advocated for and addressed the multiple rights of vulnerable children from 2007. Initiation and operation of PSW are embedded in the Ujamaa sections from side to side with social work and Ubuntu competence, this combination capacitated existing Ujamaa Intersections in the community such as family, extended families, neighborhood, local leadership, ecology, spirituality, and wider attributes in realizing child rights. The relevance of Ubuntu values and social work enabled para-social workers to identify the special needs of vulnerable children, increase community child protection awareness, create alarm systems for abused children, and sometimes link them to temporary self-shelters or social welfare services, etc. Despite the challenges, PSW succeeded in advocating for children's rights and improved the quality of life of children and their families. PSW has rendered evidence based on how the Indigenous models can offer relevant and sustainable solutions in addressing the rights of vulnerable populations in the community. Over time, several African countries adopted the PSW model and the model calls for child rights stakeholders and global decision-makers to revisit and relearn the capacity of the PSW model in the realization of SDG including protecting children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence. Also, it has relevant sustainable opportunities that ensure children attain inclusive and equitable quality social welfare services.

Optimizing Waste Separation in Traditional Minority Communities: A Game Theory Approach for Sustainable Municipal Waste Management

Successful solid-waste management relies heavily on citizen involvement and cooperation, particularly through effective source separation. By ensuring that waste is sorted correctly at source, costs are reduced, the quality of recycled products is improved, and waste handling becomes more efficient—resulting in significant cost savings for municipal authorities (MAs) and mitigating causes of air pollution, water pollution, and soil contamination.This study explores enhancing waste separation in local authorities populated by traditional minority groups through stakeholder cooperation. The aim is to improve economic, social, and environmental utilities while identifying the mechanism that best maximizes the well-being of all players involved.Employing mixed methods and game-theory tools, we conduct twenty-one in-depth interviews with local minority leaders to define the parameters of the service function. The utility functions of all players serve as a basis for game-theory modeling that allow us to identify Nash equilibria, compare their efficiency, and formulate the mechanism optimally.The results of the study show that when an influential local player fosters cooperation and trust among residents, effective waste separation is achieved, enhancing the well-being of all involved.

Intergovernmental networks and local government capacity for disaster management in North Sumatra

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of decentralization on disaster management in North Sumatra Province. Specifically, it will analyze the intergovernmental networks, local government resilience, leadership, and communication within disaster management agencies. The study used a hybrid research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies to investigate the connections between these factors and their influence on disaster response and mitigation. The study encompassed 144 personnel from diverse government tiers in North Sumatra and performed a meta-analysis on the implementation of disaster management. Intergovernmental networks were discovered to enhance collaboration in disaster management by eliminating regulatory gaps and efficiently allocating logistics. Nevertheless, local governments have obstacles as a result of limited resources and inadequate expertise, notwithstanding the progress made in infrastructure technology. The F test results reveal that leadership and communication have a substantial impact on the performance of BPBD personnel. The meta-assessment classifies its impact as extraordinarily high, suggesting comprehensive evaluation and successful achievement of goals in disaster management planning. Efficient cooperation among relevant parties is essential in handling calamities in North Sumatra. The government, commercial sector, NGOs, universities, and society have unique responsibilities. To improve effectiveness, governments should encourage private sector involvement, while institutions can increase their research contributions.

Investigating community relations among residents in the village of Tanah Merah, North Jakarta

This study examines the relationship among residents in the community of Kampung Tanah Merah, North Jakarta, with a focus on their social dynamics, aspirations and interactions. The community in this area faces various challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, and limitations in economy and education. This study aims to understand how residents organize themselves and participate in decision-making that affects their lives, and how they voice their aspirations and hopes for improved welfare. The methods used include semi-structured interviews, participant observation and document studies. The results of the study indicate that the community has a strong social structure with active local leadership, but still faces difficulties in accessing government programs. This study concludes that improving relation between residents and the government and other parties is essential to achieving better welfare. These findings are expected to provide policy recommendations that support inclusiveness and active participation of residents in the development of their environment.