Why Regions with Archipelagic Characteristics in Indonesia Also Need Asymmetric Decentralization?

Abstract

Indonesia has been practicing both symmetric and asymmetric decentralization for decades. This study believes that asymmetric decentralization should not only for those five provinces (Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Aceh, Papua and West Papua). If political considerations and the effectiveness and efficiency of government, asymmetric decentralization becomes a necessary choice for many other regions in Indonesia. This includes autonomous regions characterized by islands (archipelagic regions). Hence, this paper will discuss a number of reasons why archipelagic regions also need asymmetrical arrangements. How to make such arrangements functional? What potential challenges might be encountered? This study employs qualitative approach with theory-driven type. Operationally, this study is sustained by a series of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and documentary method. Aiming at strengthening the capacity of the government for more effective governance and development process, the uniqueness and various specific problems faced by archipelagic regions become the main reasons for applying asymmetric decentralization. Proposing a separate policy provides an effective strategy for certainty and functional de jure and de facto asymmetry arrangements. Handling various existing problems which could weaken the capacity to carry out asymmetric decentralization policy would be the most appropriate strategy to make the policy facilitates its potential benefits.

Asymmetric Decentralization in A Unitary State: The Legitimization of The Sultan’s Daughter as The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta

“…Rahmatunnisa states that there are two reasons for applying asymmetric decentralization: a political reason and a capacity reason. As an archipelagic state, the demand for asymmetric decentralization is necessary for achieving development objectives and better administrative processes (Rahmatunnisa et al, 2018). Saldi Isra has also made a similar statement that applying asymmetric assimilation is very relevant in states with diverse ethnic groups, ethnicities, and cultures, such as Aceh, Papua, and Yogyakarta.…”

“…In the unitary and federal state forms, asymmetric assimilation is still maintained because of the assumption that relations between the central and regional governments are the same and that a federation consists of identical areas (Rahmatunnisa et al, 2018). Rahmatunnisa states that there are two reasons for applying asymmetric decentralization: a political reason and a capacity reason.…”

“…This research is based on the argument that decentralization, which is in effect in a unitary state, is not absolute. However, it still has a coordination relationship with the central government; as a result, it is not absolutism (Rahmatunnisa, Hindersah, & Achmad, 2018). Asymmetric decentralization to date only occurs in federal states (Çelik et.al.…”

Government Policy and Regulation to Support the International Trade of Maluku High-Grade Nutmeg Commodity in Spatial Perspective Overview

“…The objectives to be achieved from asymmetrical decentralization will certainly depend on the design of the policy. Therefore, the design of an asymmetrical decentralization policy needs to be considered carefully and objectively, so that it can facilitate optimal results of governance and development (Rahmatunnisa et al, 2018;Redmond & Nasir, 2020).…”

The Special Autonomy Funds are not for Poverty Alleviation: A lesson from Aceh's Way

“…In Indonesia, five regions have been granted special autonomy: (1) Papua Province, (2) West Papua Province, (3) Jakarta Special Capital Region, (4) Yogyakarta Special Region, and (5) Aceh Province (Butt, 2019;Rahmatunnis, 2018;Suwari Akhmaddhian, 2015). Aceh Province, for example, was the first to be granted special autonomy (Fauzi, 2016).…”