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Gendered Power and Bureaucratic Governance Decision-Making Inequality in West Sumatra Rozidateno Putri Hanida; Redni Putri Meldianto
Salasika Vol 9 No 1 (2026): Salasika (Indonesian Journal of Gender, Women, Child, and Social Inclusion's Stud
Publisher : Asosiasi Pusat Studi Wanita/Gender & Anak Indonesia (ASWGI)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.36625/sj.v9i1.199

Abstract

This article examines gendered power relations within the bureaucracy of the Provincial Government of West Sumatra, focusing on the gap between women’s capacity and their access to decision-making authority. Although women constitute the majority of civil servants and possess substantial educational and career capital, they remain underrepresented in strategic positions. This study aims to explain how institutional structures and practices shape unequal access to authority. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with civil servants across hierarchical levels and analysis of official personnel documents. Thematic analysis identifies patterns of power relations, dependence, and women’s autonomy in decision-making. The findings show that authority is concentrated in senior echelons dominated by men, while women are positioned in administrative and implementation roles. Informal practices, including networks and leadership norms, reinforce restricted access to strategic arenas. As a result, women’s capacity does not translate into influence over policy direction. The study argues that the limits of gender affirmative policies lie in their emphasis on numerical representation as a measure of success. This approach enables compliance without redistributing power. Advancing gender equality requires shifting the focus from representation to authority within bureaucratic systems.
Fiscal Subordination and Proposal Driven Dependency in West Sumatra’s Local Budget Rozidateno Putri Hanida; Redni Putri Meldianto
Policy & Governance Review Vol 10 No 2 (2026): May
Publisher : Indonesian Association for Public Administration

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30589/pgr.v10i2.1302

Abstract

Fiscal decentralization has been undertaken to strengthen the fiscal autonomy of SNG and to enable them to monitor the achievement of local development priorities and public service delivery functions. Regional budget formation and bargaining may be affected in the long run by efficiency oriented fiscal transfer mechanisms and new institutional setups. Considering the allocation of fiscal transfers based on efficiency‚ this paper uses a qualitative case study approach to identify three issues: how sectoral fiscal transfers are allocated‚ how institutional mechanisms are used to access them‚ and how sectoral fiscal transfers are integrated into the budget process at the provin­ cial level in West Sumatra. Field data was collected from a document analysis of fiscal transfer allocations and provincial budget planning documents‚ and semi structured interviews with government officials involved in budgeting and development plan­ ning processes. The findings revealed two dynamics. First‚ efficiency oriented fiscal transfer mechanisms reinforce structural fiscal dependence on centrally administered funding schemes. As a result‚ it is difficult for provincial governments to develop their own development programs‚ especially when the fiscal transfers do not cover minimum needs for a certain level of service. Second‚ the institutional design of pro­ posal based transfer mechanisms shifts the locus of determination of many program priorities away from political debates in the provincial legislature toward technocratic administrative planning processes in regional governments’ bureaucracies. As a re­ sult‚ many program priorities are determined at the planning stage before the provin­ cial budget process‚ and not during it. Thus‚ the study adds to the literature on fiscal decentralization by shifting the attention to fiscal transfer systems‚ which affect both the allocation of financial resources across levels of government and the character of subnational governance. It shows that fiscal transfer systems also effectively shape regional fiscal autonomy and the budget deliberation process. Based on the findings‚ it argues for the study of intergovernmental fiscal transfer systems through the lens of regional governance.