About Us

About Us

Grounded in a governance paradigm that prioritizes multi-stakeholder engagement, the research conducted by the DeLOGO Research Cluster does not treat local government as a sole actor. Instead, it examines the intricate relationships between local governments and other key stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Although regional autonomy is not a novel issue in Indonesia, its implementation still poses numerous challenges that require both academic and practical solutions. Academically, local governance theories and models from various countries can serve as benchmarks for Indonesia’s decentralized framework. Nonetheless, contextual nuances must be given careful consideration when adapting these international models. Practically, the evolution of local governance from the enactment of Law No. 5 of 1974 to the present day must be evaluated from multiple dimensions to establish a governance model that truly aligns with Indonesia’s unique conditions and requirements.

The cluster’s research focus also addresses the balance of power and distribution of authority between the central and local governments. Additionally, village autonomy—an emerging contemporary issue—is thoroughly examined to analyze its trajectory, systemic challenges, and institutional relations with higher levels of government. Global dynamics affecting local governance are also pivotal to this cluster’s scope. For example, the implementation of free trade agreements compels local governments to develop local human resources and foster economic growth to compete internationally. Thus, the DeLOGO Research Cluster is highly dedicated to exploring the intersection between international dynamics and local governance practices.