By: Eleine Pramesti *)
In the Indonesian government system, the relationship between regional governments (Pemda) and the central government is a very important part in ensuring the achievement of equitable and just national development goals. Pemda has a vital role in implementing policies and development programs formulated by the central government, while the central government is responsible for providing direction, supervision, and support for policies implemented in the regions.
One of the efforts that is now being introduced to strengthen this relationship is through the Regional Head Retreat Program. This program is expected to create better consolidation between Pemda and the central government, in order to realize synergy in various aspects of development, ranging from economic, social, to more efficient governance.
This Regional Head Retreat Program is an initiative initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) as a strategic step to strengthen the relationship and collaboration between the central government and regional governments. Kemendagri sees the importance of creating more intensive and effective communication between the two parties in order to increase synergy in the implementation of development policies.
The context of the Retreat emerged as a response to the increasingly complex dynamics of state politics and administration. Indonesia as a country with wide diversity, both in terms of culture, economy, and geography, faces major challenges in terms of policy synchronization between the central government and regional governments. Development disparities between regions often occur, creating tension or even differences in perception between the two.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya explained the reasons for the briefing or retreat for regional heads only being carried out for 7 days from the original 14 days. Bima said that initially this retreat was intended to be carried out for 14 days and also involve all deputy regional heads, so that the deputies would not only join when the last day was approaching.
Similarly, Deputy Minister of State Secretary (Wamensesneg) Juri Ardiantoro said that the activity to be carried out in Lembah Tidar, Magelang, Central Java had also been affected by efficiency or reduction in terms of days. Previously, Head of General Affairs and Protocol Luwu, Imran said that although there were several technical changes, the implementation of the retreat would still take place optimally.
One of the main objectives of the regional head retreat is to improve communication between the central and regional governments. In many cases, miscommunication or lack of coordination between the two parties is one of the causes of the ineffectiveness of the policies implemented. With the retreat, regional heads can directly ask questions, discuss, and find solutions together with central officials regarding policies that are being or will be implemented.
The retreat also provides an opportunity for regional heads to convey various problems in their regions, whether structural, economic, social, or infrastructure. The central government can better understand regional conditions through direct reports from regional heads, which of course are more accurate and contextual.
One of the main agendas in the retreat is to formulate and coordinate various development programs that will be implemented in the regions. This involves discussions about budget allocation, long-term planning, and targets that must be achieved by the region with full support from the central government.
There are times when policies implemented by the central government cannot be fully accepted or implemented properly by the regions due to differences in context, conditions, or readiness of the regions. With the retreat, both parties can align their understanding and strategy for implementing policies so that national development goals can be achieved more effectively.
One of the main activities in the retreat is group discussions or open forums that allow regional heads to have direct dialogue with central government officials. These discussions are often focused on certain topics, such as development policies, regional economy, education, health, and so on.
Regional heads are given the opportunity to present the situations and challenges they face in their regions. In addition, workshops are also often held to discuss the best ways to overcome various existing problems, as well as introduce innovative solutions that can be implemented.
Although this retreat has a formal nuance, this activity also provides space for regional heads and central government officials to get to know each other better, build better relationships, and share experiences that can enrich each other’s perspectives.
The Regent of Luwu, South Sulawesi, Patahuddin said that he and 503 other regional heads admitted that they were ready to take part in the week-long retreat in Mabracelet. This program can improve coordination between the central and regional governments in various aspects of development, both in planning, implementation, and policy evaluation. Good coordination will facilitate the achievement of development goals that have been agreed upon together.
Synergy between the central and regional governments is very important to overcome development disparities between regions. Through the retreat, both parties can formulate more targeted steps in overcoming regional problems effectively and efficiently. With in-depth discussions, problems faced by the regions can be identified and resolved more quickly with the assistance and support of the central government. This will have a direct impact on the progress of the region. )* The author is an Energy Journalist at the Greenpeace Resources Institute
