The tug-of-war over authority is seen as impeding the effectiveness of regional autonomy

Jakarta – The MPR RI Study Body by Group III held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Tuesday (21/10) with the theme ‘Decentralization, Regional Autonomy, Regional Government and Villages’ in Bogor, West Java. This activity was part of the MPR RI’s strategic agenda to examine in depth the effectiveness of the implementation of regional government autonomy, central and local government role. system. On this occasion, the Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI study body Hindun Anisah highlighted the changes. The 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, especially Chapter VI concerning Regional Government, brought about fundamental changes in the constitutional paradigm. Scroll TO CONTINUE CONTENT According to him, these developments require continuous evaluation so that the implementation of regional autonomy remains in line with the goals of state formation and the principles of social justice. He also emphasized that practice in the field still faces a number of serious challenges that have implications for the effectiveness of regional government administration. A number of problems are still being faced, from the tug-of-war between central and regional government, “dualism in town regulation, to the high political costs in regional head elections,” he said in his statement, Wednesday (22/10/2025). Hindun added that the MPR RI, through its constitutional role, must continue to study the articles in the 1945 Constitution that regulate regional autonomy mechanisms so that they remain relevant to the dynamics of the times and the needs of society. He emphasized how important it is to adapt the constitution to contemporary challenges, both in the political, economic and social fields. “The Constitution “It is not a dead text, but must be able to respond to the challenges of the times and the needs of the people,” he emphasized. He expressed his hope that the results of this study can provide concrete recommendations for strengthening local government management, increasing the efficiency of public services and improving community welfare at the local level. to the regional autonomy system in Indonesia. He explained that the current implementation of autonomy still leaves behind several fundamental weaknesses, both in terms of statutory regulations. as well as in terms of policy implementation. According to him, improvements to the regional government system should be carried out comprehensively by paying attention to the balance between authority and regional fiscal capacity. “Our regional government, which is regulated in the constitution and laws, still has many shortcomings. “Our thoughts are on how to improve it in the future,” he said. He also revealed that the high political cost of holding direct regional elections has become one of the roots of the problem of corruption at the regional level. “From 2005 to 2026, there were 460 regional heads involved in corruption cases, including 38 governors. Regions get 32 ​​cases, but the budget is only one fifth of the APBN. “It is clearly unbalanced,” he emphasized. Meanwhile, the National Research and Innovation Agency’s (BRIN) autonomy for the implementation of the Zuhrocade (BRIN) Siti does not explain the have not fully achieved expected goals. She believes there is still a gap between the idealism of decentralization and the reality of government administration in the field. According to her, regional autonomy should be a way to improve public services and encourage good governance at the local level. “Decentralization should improve the quality of public services, realize good local governance, strengthen competitiveness and improve community welfare. “However, the achievement of these four things is still far from optimal,” she said. Siti Zuhro also reminded that the spirit of decentralization should not lead to federalism. She emphasized that a too broad interpretation of regional autonomy could potentially obscure the principle of a unitary state. “It is a big mistake when the constitution provides the ‘widest possible’ legal umbrella. “It has the potential to make us a federal state, not a unitary state,” he stressed. Dean of FISIP Universitas Brawijaya Ahmad Imron Rozuli then highlighted the contradiction between the constitutional design and government practices in the field. far from their government. “Overlapping authority and poor coordination between ministries actually alienates the public. of the government,” he said. Furthermore, Imron believes that the high political costs in the election of village chiefs to regional chiefs has changed the face of local democracy. “Now the village elections are like mini regional elections, there are parties that fund village chief candidates so that the results are no longer pure community aspirations,” Imron said. As a solution, he suggested that the governor election system according to him return to the DP. will save political costs while maintaining the stability of relations between the executive and legislative authority in the regions. “Decentralization must be carried out efficiently, fairly and with consideration of local content,” he concluded. This FGD is part of a series of activities by the Indonesian MPR Review Body in carrying out its constitutional duty to implement the provisions of the 1945 to revise the Constitution. The discussion is expected to produce policy recommendations that are applicable and evidence-based, especially in improving the regional and village governance system in Indonesia. The results of this activity will be an important consideration for the Indonesian National Assembly in formulating policy directions and recommendations for improving the system of future state administration. For your information, the MPR RI Study Body is currently reviewing five main themes that are the focus of institutional work. The first study discusses people’s sovereignty in the perspective of Pancasila democracy, which is the responsibility of Group I. The second theme is studied by Group II, with a focus on authority and relations between state institutions in Indonesia’s constitutional structure. Meanwhile, Group III examined the issues of decentralization, regional autonomy, regional government and villages, which this time were the main topics of the FGD. Group IV focuses on the state’s financial system, national economy and social welfare, while Group V examines aspects of state defense and security. These five themes are part of the efforts of the Indonesian MPR Review Body to strengthen the implementation of Pancasila values in the state administration system, as well as to formulate strategic recommendations for updating the direction of national development in the future. (acd/ega)