Advancing technocratic capacity in local climate policy: Insights from theory of planned behavior and participatory learning and action

Many national governments have established regulatory frameworks for climate change adaptation (CCA); however, the development of climate policies at the local level remains insufficiently addressed. Drawing from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Participatory Learning and Action (PLA), this study investigate how civil servants at the local government engage with local climate policy-making. The research project was conducted in collaboration with the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Magelang City, Indonesia. It aimed to enhance the technocratic capacity in developing local climate policy. Structured around three phases-preintervention, intervention, and post-intervention- the study facilitated reflective and co-learning processes among local civil servants. The findings identify potentials and barriers faced by the local government in formulating and integrating climate-related issues into the urban development agenda. Instead of aiming at direct policy-making, the research project emphasis on how attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm shape policy intention. Theoretically, the study contributes to the literature by revealing tensions within local government actors and the role civil servants play in local climate policy-making. Practically, it provides local governments with technocratic capacity building model to accelerate the integration of climate policy into urban planning.