Snapshot of Inter-Regional Cooperation for Basic Public Services in the Ajatappareng Area, Indonesia

Abstract

— The development of an inter-regional cooperation model in providing basic public services in the Ajatappareng area of South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, is presumably not as effective as expected. This study aims to describe basic public services (health, education and transportation) and models or patterns of cooperation developed by local governments. This study used a survey-evaluative method. Data were collected using observation, interview and documentation techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques and shift-share analysis. The result is a fairly effective provision of basic public services in education, health and transportation. The provision of effective education services is seen from the aspects of equal distribution and expansion of access, quality of services provided, internal efficiency and effectiveness of institutional management. Provision of health services is quite successful in terms of public access, equity and justice, public health status, and levels of mortality, morbidity and community nutritional status. The provision of transportation services is quite effective, seen from the provision of infrastructure that can open up regional access to remote areas. There are two models of inter-regional cooperation and coordination that are implemented, namely "service exchange" and "consolidation of service mergers", in addition to the three idealized cooperation models. The three service models that are not optimal in practice are inter-government service contracts, joint service agreements and permanent transfers of interregional government services.