<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the implementation of collaborative governance in absorbing public aspirations during the recess period of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in Merauke Regency, as well as to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors influencing the process. The research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis involving DPRD members, regional planning agencies (Bappeda), and regional development planning documents. The findings indicate that collaborative governance practices have been implemented through face-to-face dialogue during recess activities, trust-building through informal social interactions, and efforts to establish commitment among stakeholders. However, the implementation remains procedural and has not yet reached a deliberative and transformative stage. The collaborative process is constrained by several factors, including misalignment between public aspirations and regional development priorities, limited financial resources, hierarchical bureaucratic structures, and weak accountability mechanisms. Furthermore, the study reveals that the outcomes of collaborative processes are mostly partial and short-term, lacking systemic impact on regional development policies. This condition reflects the absence of effective integration between participatory mechanisms and formal planning systems. This study recommends strengthening participatory governance through institutional integration of public aspirations into development planning, as well as the adoption of digital accountability platforms to enhance transparency, responsiveness, and policy effectiveness.]]>
