Decentralization and Regional Autonomy: Impacts on Local Governance in Post-Reformasi Indonesia

Authors

  • Rania Faiz Singapore Management University
  • Lilliana Hayes University of Pennsylvania
  • Ana Clara Santos Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro
  • Fahri Prakoso Universitas Negeri Jakarta

Keywords:

Decentralization, regional autonomy, local governance, democratic participation, political dynasties, intergovernmental relations

Abstract

The decentralization and regional autonomy reforms implemented after the 1998 Reformasi marked a significant shift in Indonesia’s political landscape, devolving power to local governments. This paper investigates the impacts of decentralization on local governance, focusing on the effectiveness of regional autonomy in promoting development and addressing local needs. It examines the strengths and weaknesses of local government institutions, the challenges of intergovernmental relations, and the extent to which decentralization has enhanced democratic participation at the grassroots level. Through case studies of various provinces and districts, the paper analyzes the role of local elites, political dynasties, and corruption in shaping the outcomes of decentralization. The contribution of this research lies in its critical assessment of regional autonomy as a tool for enhancing democratic governance, providing policy recommendations to improve local governance and strengthen democratic accountability in Indonesia.

Downloads

Published

2025-04-30

How to Cite

Faiz, R., Hayes, L., Santos, A. C., & Prakoso, F. (2025). Decentralization and Regional Autonomy: Impacts on Local Governance in Post-Reformasi Indonesia. Indonesian Political Transformation, 1(1), 41–92. Retrieved from https://journals.arteslibres.org/index.php/politics/article/view/22

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Indonesian Political Transformation, April 2025

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Rania Faiz, Lilliana Hayes, Ana Clara Santos, Fahri Prakoso

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain full copyright ownership of their works without restriction. The views and opinions expressed in articles published in this journal are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the journal, its editors, publishers, or the authors’ affiliated institutions. All content published in this journal is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).