Journal of Governance and Local Politics (JGLP)

“Engines” of Growth, “Sponges” of Labor: A Study on Economic Transformation and the Kuznets Paradox in Kepulauan Riau

Adhe Fadli Farhan — 2025-11-04

This study investigates the relationship between structural transformation and regional inequality in Kepulauan Riau (Kepri), Indonesia, a province strategically located as an industrial and service hub yet marked by persistent disparities. While the Kuznets hypothesis suggests an inverted-U link between growth and inequality, evidence from archipelagic economies remains limited. The main purpose of this research is to assess whether Kepri follows or diverges from the Kuznets trajectory by analyzing sectoral shifts and their implications for inequality dynamics. Using provincial macro and microeconomic data, this study applies panel data econometrics and productivity decomposition techniques to evaluate both within-sector growth and labor reallocation effects. The results reveal that industrial expansion generates high productivity but limited employment opportunities, while services act as a labor sponge with weak welfare contributions. This dualistic pattern, termed the “structural change penalty,” has amplified inequality across sectors and regions rather than reducing it. The findings underscore the need for stronger industrial linkages, service sector upgrading, and inclusive regional policies to ensure that structural transformation fosters broad-based and equitable development. By shifting the analytical focus from the national to the sub-national level, this study contributes new insights into the role of local governance, spatial politics, and policy choices in shaping divergent development paths in Indonesia.

The Impact of E-Government on Social Inclusion: A Bibliometric Review of E-Inclusion Research

Gusti Naufal Rizky Perdana — 2025-11-04

This study explores the intersection of e-government and social inclusion through a bibliometric analysis of e-inclusion research. Drawing on 97 publications indexed in Scopus, the analysis was conducted using VOS viewer and NVivo 12 Plus to identify research trends, dominant themes, and collaborative networks among scholars, institutions, and countries. The findings reveal that e-government plays a critical role in promoting inclusive governance by enhancing digital access, participation, and service delivery. However, challenges such as the digital divide and unequal digital skills continue to hinder broader social inclusion. Thematic clusters identified include empowerment, accessibility, digital literacy, and trust. Developed and developing countries alike contribute to this field, although research remains uneven. This study offers valuable insights into the evolving discourse on e-inclusion and highlights gaps for future exploration. The findings are intended to inform policymakers, scholars, and practitioners in designing more equitable and inclusive digital governance frameworks.

Strengthening Water Governance and Regulatory Effectiveness for Equitable Access in Indonesia

Andi Setyo Pambudi — 2025-11-04

Water resource management in Indonesia represents a paradox of abundance and scarcity. Despite the country’s vast hydrological potential, approximately 15% of Indonesians still lack reliable access to clean water, with stark inequalities persisting between urban and rural regions. Prior research has primarily emphasized technical and infrastructural dimensions, leaving a research gap in understanding how regulatory frameworks intersect with socio-economic and environmental realities. The urgency of this study stems from persistent disparities in water accessibility, escalating climate change pressures, and weak enforcement of existing laws such as Law No. 17 of 2019 on Water Resources. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of regulatory instruments in expanding water accessibility, identify determinants shaping implementation, and assess broader sustainability implications. Employing a qualitative descriptive method with case studies in West Java, East Nusa Tenggara, and South Kalimantan, data were collected through document analysis, in-depth interviews, and field observations. The findings indicate that regulatory effectiveness is heavily influenced by geographic and institutional contexts, with challenges ranging from infrastructural deficits to pollution and climate-induced scarcity. The study recommends adaptive, region-specific regulations, strengthened institutional capacity, and participatory governance to ensure equitable and sustainable water access.

Adaptive Governance in Achieving Food Self-Sufficiency and Family Resilience in Baubau City

Nur Inzana — 2025-11-04

The urgency of this research stems from the high prevalence of undernourishment (PoU), or the prevalence of food insufficiency at 10.84% in 2023, and the Food Security Index (IKP), which only reached 80.49 in 2024, indicating limited access to sufficient, nutritious, and sustainable food in Baubau City. This condition can impact the overall welfare of families, so effective strategies are needed to improve food security in the area. This study aims to explore the role of adaptive governance in increasing the effectiveness of food self-sufficiency policies and strengthening family resilience in Baubau City. This research method employed a qualitative approach, utilizing data collection methods that included interviews, observation, documentation, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Key informants included the Baubau City Agriculture and Food Security Office (Dipertan), the Baubau City Health Office, local farmer groups, and community self-help communities. Data were analyzed using NVivo 12 Plus. The findings of this study confirm that food security in Baubau City remains vulnerable due to a combination of structural, social, and economic factors. However, the implementation of adaptive governance offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen the local food system. With policy flexibility, cross-sector collaboration, digital technology integration, and a focus on strengthening nutritional literacy and family empowerment, Baubau can reduce its dependence on external supplies while building household food resilience. This demonstrates that family resilience and food self-sufficiency in Baubau can only be achieved through an adaptive approach that integrates the roles of government, communities, and the private sector in building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food system.

Improving Governance and Inclusion Public Services in Selaparang District Mataram City

Iwan Tanjung Sutarna — 2025-11-05

This article aims to analyze Selaparang Inclusion as a strategic approach to strengthening governance and improving the quality of public services in Selaparang District, Mataram City. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method assisted by the NVivo 12 Plus tool to analyze the data. The results show that the active participation of local stakeholders, such as the Selaparang District Head and the Mataram Inclusive Formulation Team, indicates a collaborative and reflective process, although obstacles are still encountered in directing the concept of inclusion so that it is easily understood by the wider community. Meanwhile, the main targets of Selaparang Inclusion show that the elderly are the group with the greatest attention (30%), followed by people with disabilities (23.33%), children (20%), women (16.67%), and indigenous communities (10%). These findings provide a concrete picture of the direction of priority programs and indicate the still low attention to women and indigenous communities. Overall, the Selaparang Inclusion program has succeeded in becoming a collaborative platform across actors in building an inclusive region. However, further efforts are still needed to increase representation and access to services for underrepresented groups. This program is an example of good practice in realizing just, equal, and participatory governance at the local level.

Analysis of the Use of E-Perda in the Formation of Digital-Based Regional Legal Products

Eko Satria — 2025-11-05

This study analyzes the implementation of the E‑Perda application as a digital instrument for forming local legal products in Baubau City and South Buton Regency. Using a doctrinal legal method and an evidence‑based policy approach, we conducted literature review, document analysis, and benchmarking with Pare‑Pare City and Banggai Laut Regency to assess regulatory readiness, digital literacy of human resources, and digital infrastructure. Results reveal that despite relatively adequate infrastructure, Baubau and South Buton have not adopted E‑Perda due to the absence of binding mandates, limited digital capacity, and institutional resistance, indicating a clear gap between policy and practice. This research highlights that E‑Perda can bridge those gaps by enhancing legislative efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in remote areas, but only if supported by strong political commitment, regulatory reform, and capacity‑building initiatives. By providing comparative evidence on these implementation challenges, the study offers practical insights for policymakers seeking to advance digital governance in Indonesia.

The Influence of Regional Original Revenue, General Allocation Fund, Special Allocation Fund on Capital Expenditure in Districts in South Sulawesi Province

Anthon Misalayuk — 2025-11-05

Fiscal decentralization is a form of regional autonomy in the aspect of regional financial management. To assist local governments in improving services to the community, the central government provides TKD funds including DAU and DAK which are sources of regional income other than PAD. With this transfer, the local government is expected to maximize its revenue to optimize community services, one of which is through the fulfillment of capital expenditure. This study aims to analyze the influence of Regional Original Revenue (PAD), General Allocation Fund (DAU) and Special Allocation Fund (DAK) on Capital Expenditure in Cities and Regencies in South Sulawesi Province. The research method used is a quantitative method. The population of this research are 24 regencies and cities in South Sulawesi Province with APBD and TKD data from 2022 to 2024 it was 72 and all of them become samples (saturated samples). The analysis method used in this research is multiple regression analysis and supported by EViuws 13 application. The results shows that Regional Real Income and Special Allocation Funds have a positive and significant effect on capital expenditure. Meanwhile, the General Allocation Fund does no effect on Capital Expenditure. The determination coefficient (R²) value for Y is 0.806, it means that 80.60% of the Capital Expenditure Budget can be explained by the three independent variables of the Influence of Regional Real Income, General Allocation Fund, and Special Allocation Fund. Meanwhile, the rest 19.40% can be explained by another factor.

Generation Z Instagram Activism: Between Slacktivism And Online Civic Engagement In Indonesia’s Democracy

Yunita Sari — 2025-11-05

This study analyzes how Generation Z's digital activism through Instagram during the August–September 2025 demonstrations reflects substantive civic participation. A mixed-method approach with a sequential explanatory design was used. Quantitative data were analyzed using simple linear regression, and qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The study involved 200 Generation Z respondents selected through purposive sampling. The results indicate a statistically significant relationship between Instagram digital activism and online civic engagement (r = 0.818; p < 0.001). Approximately 66.9% of the variation in civic engagement is explained by digital activism. Qualitative findings reveal that Generation Z's digital activism transcends symbolic slacktivism and demonstrates substantive civic participation. Through Instagram features such as Stories, Reels, and templates, they disseminate information, shape public opinion, and coordinate real actions both online and offline. Instagram functions as a strategic medium for reflective and transformative civic engagement, showing that digital participation can evolve into meaningful social movements within the digital democracy ecosystem. Future research should include other social media platforms, expand the sample, and examine digital literacy as a mediating variable.

Evaluation of Bontang City Government Policies to Improve the Regional Investment Climate

Amriadi Amriadi — 2025-11-13

This study evaluates the effectiveness, competitiveness, and responsiveness of the Bontang City Government’s policies in improving the regional investment climate within the framework of economic diversification. The research employs a qualitative descriptive-evaluative method, which combines policy evaluation and interpretive analysis to assess how investment-related programs are implemented and how stakeholders perceive their outcomes. Data were collected through documentation, observation, and interviews with government officials, business actors, and community representatives, then analyzed using the six evaluation criteria proposed by William N. Dunn—effectiveness, efficiency, adequacy, equity, responsiveness, and appropriateness. Findings indicate that although Bontang has made significant progress through the implementation of the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, the establishment of the Public Service Mall, and the enactment of Regional Regulation No. 1 of 2017 on Investment, various structural barriers remain. Bureaucratic inefficiency, weak inter-agency coordination, limited investment promotion, and insufficient human resource capacity hinder policy outcomes and reduce investor confidence. Moreover, policy responsiveness is still concentrated on the oil and gas sector, with less attention given to emerging industries such as tourism, creative economy, and renewable energy. The study concludes that an adaptive and integrated governance model is essential to ensure that investment policy effectively supports sustainable and inclusive regional economic transformation

Socio-Economic Reintegration of Former Migrant Workers in Indonesia: Sustainable Livelihoods and Socio-Cultural Models

Inka Nusamuda Pratama — 2025-11-13

This study aims to develop a socio-economic reintegration model for returnee migrant workers in Indonesia based on the Sustainable Livelihood framework and socio-cultural approaches. Although numerous studies have highlighted the importance of these two approaches separately, their integration within the context of migrant reintegration in Indonesia remains limited. Employing a qualitative method through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), this research identifies, evaluates, and synthesizes relevant studies published over the past six years (2019–2025) using the Dimensions and Scopus databases. The findings reveal that reintegration is a complex process influenced by structural, socio-cultural, as well as local and global dynamics. Social capital and adaptive capacity emerge as key elements in addressing reintegration challenges, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, an effective reintegration model must be holistic, community-based, and supported by cross-sector collaboration and institutional transformation. This study contributes both conceptually and practically to the design of inclusive and adaptive reintegration policies that are responsive to the dynamics of global labor mobility.

Social Construction: The Role of Community Empowerment Institutions (LPM) in the Village Fund-Based Development Process (Qualitative Study in Gunung Sari Ilir Village)

Arwani Ahmad — 2025-11-13

This study examines the dynamics of challenges, strategies, and institutional implications in realizing participatory development in Gunung Sari Ilir Village, with a particular focus on the role and legitimacy of the Community Empowerment Institution (LPM) as a central actor in local governance. The research explores how structural power relations, administrative capacity, and citizen participation interact to shape the effectiveness and social credibility of participatory institutions. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach supported by thematic and inferential analysis, the study employs in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis to capture the complex social realities of community participation. The data were analyzed through a combination of thematic coding and interpretive synthesis to identify the patterns of legitimacy construction, governance challenges, and adaptive institutional responses. The findings reveal that participatory development in Gunung Sari Ilir is constrained by persistent elite influence, limited administrative professionalism, and weak transparency mechanisms that collectively undermine trust and inclusiveness. Despite these barriers, local actors employ adaptive strategies such as community consultation, leadership strengthening, and information openness to enhance institutional legitimacy and promote collaborative development practices. The study concludes that participatory governance is not a linear process but an evolving negotiation between institutional structures and social actors, where legitimacy is continuously constructed through transparency, accountability, and communicative engagement. This research contributes to the broader understanding of local governance by highlighting the interdependence between institutional capacity, social trust, and participatory sustainability.

An Examination of Social Solidarity, Value Systems, and Tourism Policy within the Compang Tradition of West Manggarai and the Uma Lengge Tradition of Bima

Haeril Haeril — 2025-11-13

This study aims to examine the interrelation between social solidarity, value systems, and tourism policy within the cultural contexts of the Compang tradition in West Manggarai and the Uma Lengge tradition in Bima, by interrogating the extent to which the integration of local cultural practices into tourism contributes to the reinforcement of collective identity or, conversely, to its potential degradation under the hegemony of market logic. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study design, the research engages indigenous communities in Melo Village (West Manggarai) and Maria Village (Wawo, Bima) as primary subjects, alongside institutional tourism actors, utilizing in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation as the principal techniques of data collection. The data were analyzed through qualitative thematic analysis and strengthened by triangulation to ensure validity and reliability. The findings reveal that the Compang and Uma Lengge traditions continue to function as loci of social cohesion, collective identity, and spirituality, yet the intervention of tourism has engendered a transformation of their sacred functions into aesthetic performances, triggering social fragmentation and inequities in the distribution of economic benefits most pronounced in the case of Compang, which is more vulnerable to commodification. In contrast, Uma Lengge demonstrates stronger community participation and relatively fairer benefit distribution, though it still faces the risk of desacralization. The study concludes that the sustainability of cultural tourism can only be secured through policy paradigms that are participatory, equitable, and grounded in substantive cultural recognition, positioning indigenous communities not merely as objects of tourism but as primary agents of social transformation.

Analysis of The Influence of Competency, Motivation, and Work Environment on Employee Performance in The Library and Archives Service of the Bontang City Government

Badarita Badarita — 2025-11-13

This study investigates the influence of competence, work motivation, and the work environment on employee performance at the Bontang City Library and Archives Service. The research aims to analyze how these three internal factors interact to shape employee productivity, satisfaction, and commitment in a public sector setting. Employing a quantitative research approach with a causal-explanatory design, the study utilizes a structured questionnaire distributed to employees as respondents. Data were analyzed through statistical techniques, including correlation and regression analysis, to determine both partial and simultaneous effects of each variable on performance outcomes. The findings reveal that competence significantly enhances task effectiveness, motivation drives employee engagement and commitment, and a supportive work environment improves satisfaction and overall productivity. Collectively, these factors contribute to strengthening institutional performance and promoting good governance practices in local administration.

Irrigation Management Strategy for Rice–Fish Farming as a Conflict Resolution between Farmers and Pond Owners in Kelingi Tugumulyo

Hendra Gunawan — 2025-11-13

Management of Water Resources in irrigation areas is a vital aspect in supporting food security and community welfare. The Kelingi Tugumulyo Irrigation Area, located in Musi Rawas Regency and Lubuk Linggau City, is one of the important irrigation areas in South Sumatra. This area serves not only as a rice production center, but also as a location for the development of heavy-water pond fish farming. However, differences in interests between rice farmers and fish farmers often trigger water use conflicts. This study aims to identify the dynamics of water use conflicts, assess the role of local institutions, and formulate sustainable policy solutions. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach with the support of quantitative data from BPS, BBWs Sumatra VIII, and field surveys. The results showed that the conflict was triggered by imbalances in water distribution, weak regulation, low compliance with water utilization permits, and institutional helplessness of farmers (P3A). The impact of the conflict is a decrease in rice harvest area, land conversion to non-rice sector, as well as socio-economic inequality among water user groups. This study recommends strengthening regulation, revitalization of P3A/GP3A institutions, integration of cropping patterns and fish farming, as well as the application of water-efficient irrigation technology.

The Bontang City Library and Archives Department's Strategy to Increase Public Interest in Reading

Hapidah Hapidah — 2025-11-13

This study explores the strategic initiatives of the Bontang City Library and Archives Department in promoting reading interest, the challenges faced during program implementation, and the evaluation of their effectiveness through the lens of New Public Service (NPS) values. Using a qualitative descriptive research method, data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and field observations to uncover the dynamics of public literacy programs. The findings reveal that the library’s innovative strategies—such as digital literacy initiatives, community reading campaigns, and partnerships with educational institutions—have contributed to improving public engagement with reading. However, these initiatives face constraints including limited funding, insufficient infrastructure, and cultural resistance to literacy practices. Evaluating the programs through NPS values emphasizes that effectiveness should not be judged merely by quantitative success but by the degree to which programs uphold inclusivity, participation, and accountability. The study concludes that sustainable literacy promotion depends on integrating strategic innovation with ethical public service values, fostering collaborative governance, and empowering citizens as active co-creators of a literate society.

Factors that Influence Women's Political Participation in the Mayoral Election in Bhayangkara Subdistrict, Jayapura City

Siti Fatimah — 2025-11-13

The main focus of this research is to identify factors that influence women's political participation in the region. The method used is qualitative, with analysis and problem formulation based on field data. The research informants were the heads of the neighborhood units (RW) in Bhayangkara Village. Data were obtained through three methods: first, data collection from interviews and observations recorded in field notes, including official documents and photographs; second, data reduction by summarizing and selecting important information; and third, drawing conclusions. The results of the research indicate that women's political participation is influenced by several factors, including: (1) An increasingly less dominant patriarchal culture; (2) Lack of systematic political education despite good understanding; (3) Minimal structural barriers, but there are internal factors such as low interest; (4) Double burdens managed with family support; (5) Low violence and intimidation, although there are cases of verbal violence; (6) Affirmative policies hampered by socialization and funding; (7) Growing gender education and awareness despite lingering stigma; (8) Limited support from non-governmental organizations; (9) Positive but uneven social change; and (10) Unstructured mentorship networks. Based on these findings, the study recommends socialization on gender equality, strengthening political education, increasing women's capacity, and developing mentorship programs and institutional support to strengthen women's political participation at the local level.

Strategic Governance Through Communities and Sustainable Community Empowerment in Prapatan Subdistrict, Balikpapan City

Pradeka Reza Dipa — 2025-11-13

This study examines the implementation of participatory governance and sustainable empowerment in Kelurahan Prapatan, Balikpapan City, emphasizing the institutional role, community participation dynamics, and strategic innovation mechanisms that collectively shape local governance performance. The research explores how institutional leadership, participatory culture, and collaborative partnerships contribute to the creation of adaptive and inclusive governance systems aligned with the principles of good governance and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study employs a qualitative descriptive method with a thematic analysis approach to interpret the interrelations among institutional practices, community empowerment processes, and cross-actor coordination. The findings reveal that sustainable empowerment emerges through the integration of institutional strengthening, participatory leadership, community-based transparency, and cross-sector collaboration, forming a cohesive governance ecosystem that enhances accountability, inclusivity, and long-term resilience. The results highlight that effective governance is not solely defined by administrative capacity but by its ability to orchestrate diverse stakeholders toward shared goals of empowerment and sustainability.

Leadership Values and Government Ethics in The Character of Tobirama Senju: Reflections for Leaders of Today

Achmad Amzal Maulana — 2025-11-13

This study examines the leadership values and governance ethics reflected in the character of Tobirama Senju, a fictional character from the Naruto series, as a reflection and inspiration for today's leaders. Tobirama Senju is known as a firm, innovative leader, and has a high commitment to justice and stability of government. Through a qualitative-descriptive approach, this study analyzes the various actions, decisions, and policies taken by Tobirama in the context of a fictional world, then relates them to the theories of leadership and ethics of modern government. The results of the analysis show that Tobirama not only prioritizes the aspect of power, but also balances it with the principles of morality, transparency, and social responsibility. Values such as integrity, justice, policy innovation, and concern for the welfare of the community are the main foundations of his leadership. The study also highlights the relevance of Tobirama's character as an adaptive and ethical leadership model in the midst of the challenges of the times, and provides recommendations for today's leaders to internalize these values in government practice. Thus, this research contributes to enriching the discourse of government science through an interdisciplinary approach that combines fictional character analysis with real needs in contemporary governance.