MPR Assessment Body Explores Decentralisation Implementation with Unhas Experts

The Assessment Body (BP) of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) is deepening its study of decentralisation implementation with experts from the University of Hasanuddin (Unhas) as part of a review of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. BP MPR Deputy Chair Hindun Anisah stated that the forum was expected to enrich perspectives on the effectiveness of decentralisation in addressing community needs and constitutional dynamics. “BP MPR RI seeks to obtain in-depth input, both regarding constitutional norms, regulations, and the practice of regional government administration. All views in this forum will serve as important material in formulating study recommendations,” she said in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday. According to Hindun, several strategic issues require further exploration, including the balance of authority between central and regional governments, central and regional financial relations, equitable development, village strengthening, recognition of customary law communities, and the quality of local democracy. She added that decentralisation must be positioned as an instrument to bring public services closer, strengthen community participation, develop regional potential, and maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. “Decentralisation is not merely about the division of authority. What is more important is ensuring that this authority can improve the quality of public services and community welfare,” she said. BP MPR held a focus group discussion themed Decentralisation, Regional Autonomy, Regional and Village Governance in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday (7/7). The speakers included Professor Sangkala from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Unhas, Professor Nursini from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Hasanuddin, and academic Muhammad Idris from the STIA LAN Polytechnic in Makassar. In his presentation, Sangkala emphasised that decentralisation and regional autonomy must remain within the framework of Pancasila, constitutional democracy, and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. According to him, regional autonomy is not a form of sovereignty division but rather a mechanism to bring services closer, strengthen participation, and accommodate the social, cultural, and geographical diversity of regions. “Decentralisation needs to be implemented consistently to strengthen public services and welfare, without reducing the principle of national unity,” he said. Meanwhile, Nursini highlighted the importance of evaluating the financial relationship between the central and regional governments. He explained that fiscal decentralisation is not an end goal but an instrument to ensure regional governments have the capacity to finance public services, develop local economies, and improve community welfare. “Central and regional financial relations cannot be viewed solely from the size of transfers. What needs attention is whether these transfers can strengthen regional fiscal capacity, improve spending quality, and produce tangible impacts for the community,” he said. On the other hand, Muhammad Idris stated that the main issue with decentralisation lies not in the relevance of the principle of regional autonomy but in the suboptimal implementation, institutional capacity, cross-government coordination, and quality of regional leadership. He stressed that the transfer of authority must be accompanied by strengthening fiscal capacity, the quality of the civil apparatus, planning systems, institutions, talent management, and effective guidance and supervision mechanisms. “Do not just transfer authority without building the region’s capacity. Decentralisation will be effective if the central government is strong in guidance, standards, and supervision, while regions are strong in innovation and solving local problems,” he said. Input from the various speakers and BP MPR members in the forum will be compiled as material for written studies and policy recommendations.