Three Decades of Regional Autonomy: Central-to-Regional Approach Urged to Be Asymmetric
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Executive Director of the Regional Autonomy Implementation Monitoring Committee (KPPOD), Arman Suparman, assesses that the approach applied by the central government to regional officials is uniform.
“And the last point is regarding guidance and supervision. Now, according to us, guidance and supervision also have a major problem, because central supervision over regions is symmetric and uniform,” Arman stated when contacted by Kompas.com on Monday (27/4/2026).
Therefore, KPPOD proposes that the central government implement a different approach.
“We must shift from a symmetric nature to an asymmetric approach,” he emphasised.
“Not yet (ideal). Because the current central-regional relationship involves very strong control by the central government,” Arman said.
Arman assesses that there is no solid policy regarding the division of affairs between the central government and regions.
He highlights the ongoing overlaps between the Regional Government Law and several sectoral laws.
“So, those sectoral laws actually do not comply with the division of affairs in the Regional Government Law,” Arman stressed.
“As a result, what often happens is a tug-of-war of authorities between the centre and the regions. And increasingly, according to our notes, recentralisation is getting stronger,” he revealed.
Executive Director of Asah Kebijakan Indonesia and alumnus of the National Leadership Institute (Lemhanas) RI, Nicholas Martua Siagian, believes that regions must be proactive in the era of regional autonomy, not merely passively waiting for central orders.
He spoke in the context of regional fiscal management in the current era of regional autonomy.
“Local governments must be encouraged to truly engage, not just as administrative implementers, in successfully carrying out various central government priority programmes,” Nicholas said in his opinion article titled “In Silence, Regional Autonomy is Changing” on Kompas.com.