The results of this study describe the five potential roles of sub-districts. (1) The sub-district head can openly act as a collector of needs from below and monitor the performance of existing services. (2) The sub-district head can assist in the dissemination of government programs and act as an extension of the government down to the lower levels. (3) The sub-district head can become the village population and economic data center. (4) The sub-district head aligns the budget between villages and sectors in the district. (5) The camat can control land use and inequality of land ownership.
One of the strategies for reducing poverty and reducing inequality contained in the 2015-2019 RPJMN is improving and expanding basic services for the poor and vulnerable. BAPPENAS in 2016 intends to implement the strategy in 10 districts. One focus of intervention in this effort is strengthening the role of sub-districts (through delegation) to coordinate the delivery of basic services at the sub-district level.
This study uses a qualitative approach with in-depth interview techniques and secondary data collection. In-depth interviews were conducted with relevant actors at 10 district and national levels as well as sub-district and village levels. Secondary data collection is processed as supporting information related to funds, regulations, targets, and achievements of basic service delivery. The research phase took place in October-November 2015 with the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) and February-March 2016.
This study found three important realities that determine the success of the delegation of authority to coordinate the implementation of basic services to the Camat. The first aspect, authority becomes strong if it is clearly supported by regulations. Second, authority is determined by the size of the budget allocation. Third, related to norms from peer groups or peer groups and stakeholders around the sub-district.
The results of this study also describe the five potential roles of sub-districts. (1) The sub-district head can openly act as a collector of needs from below and monitor the performance of existing services. (2) The sub-district head can assist in the dissemination of government programs and act as an extension of the government down to the lower levels. (3) The sub-district head can become the village population and economic data center. (4) The sub-district head aligns the budget between villages and sectors in the district. (5) The camat can control land use and inequality of land ownership.
The sub-district head will find it difficult to play a role if the reality of delegating authority to the sub-district is not properly regulated. This research underscores the important role of the district head as the main key to delegating authority to the sub-districts. In addition, at the village level, the village head’s leadership also has an important role in implementing and improving basic services in the village.
AKATIGA provides information to BAPPENAS and other stakeholders regarding the sub-district’s real role in the implementation of the frontline basic services above. This information also includes conditions and practices of health, education and civil registration services provided to citizens as well as key actors who play a role in achieving the objectives of these frontline services. This information can be used to formulate policies and programs to reduce maternal mortality/infant mortality (AKI/IMR), quality junior high school level education, and services for making birth certificates that are easy and simple. AKATIGA also provides baseline data for the 2016 BAPPENAS pilot program and looks at the possibility of strengthening the role of the Kecamatan which contributes to effective basic services.
