The Analysis of Regional Autonomy Implementation in Indonesia: Based on the Ruling Government Paradigm

Abstract

This study aims to understand the development of regional autonomy in Indonesia through a historical context.The research begins by tracing the evolution of regional autonomy laws since the Old Order, New Order, and Reformation eras which caused casualties. For more than 50 years, Indonesia has changed from a centralized system of government to a decentralized one. The government uses the concept of regional autonomy because the area is large and the population is large and requires an administrative structure appropriate to the region. This study uses a qualitative methodology by collecting primary data from national libraries, historical museums, university research, and scientific journals. The findings of this study illustrate that the large area and population require an administrative structure that is by the local government. The decentralization system has become the preferred choice for various provinces. Decentralization refers to the establishment of autonomous regions and the delegation of legal authority. This delegation must be clear because, based on history, rebellions in several provinces were due to beleid (provinces' distrust of the central government). The desired delegation from the Central Government to regional governments is in the context of managing independent regional government affairs. Regional autonomy is closely related to progress in regional development and promotes national stability and unity. Nevertheless, in reality, national stability is often tested by the existence of a leader's will that is contrary to the law, which often results in conflict. An interesting finding is that since the proclamation of independence until the reform era -the decentralization system has always followed the conditions and desires of the government regime. The decentralization referred to is not pure but implies the existence of a hidden centralized system.