Public services in island sub-districts: Towards geography-based governance

Abstract

This study proposes a form of governance of sub-district public services based on the geography of the Maluku archipelago in Indonesia. Using qualitative research, data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, documentation, and field observations, involving informants from local and sub-district government elements and community leaders. This study revealed that the governance of public services in the islands is not optimal because it cannot meet the challenges that are unique to the islands, such as minimal authority, inadequate organisation and management capacity of the sub-district, lack of human resources and facilities support, and limited transportation facilities. This study found two primary causal factors, namely: first, internal factors, (1) implementation of the concept of symmetrical decentralisation in various local contexts, (2) disproportionate fiscal policies, and (3) weak political commitment of mayors regarding delegation of authority and discretion. Second, external factors are related to the difficulty of accessing services.

Points for practitioners

• The non-optimal governance of public services in the islands cannot meet the challenges.
• The uniqueness of the islands includes minimal authority, inadequate organisation and management (O&M) capacity of the sub-district, lack of human resources and facilities support, and limited transportation facilities.
• The Islands Sub-District Governance Model (ISGov-Model) proposes attributive and discretionary authority, increased O&M capacity, financial support, and adequate staff and facilities.
• The ISGov-Model leads the archipelagic sub-district to become the epicentre of public services.