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This paper aims to analyze the implications of decentralization policies that are linked to poverty reduction in Indonesia. The focus of the study is the decentralization policy as regulated in Law No. 22/1999, which was amended twice through Law No. 32/2004 and Law No. 23/ 2014 concerning local government. In addition, it also discussed Law No. 25/1999 concerning financial relations in the central-regional government. Using qualitative methods with a policy/program analysis approach and secondary data, this study found that decentralization policies do not link directly to poverty reduction. Out of 34 provincial regions, only 8 provincial regions have achieved a human development index (HDI) above the national average, while having a poverty rate below the national average. In contrast, there are 13 provincial regions that reached HDI below the national average and at the same time have poverty levels above the national average. Based on these findings, this study recommends, first, that local governments evaluate and direct various programs that lead to HDI improvement and poverty reduction. Second, that they synchronize poverty reduction programs in the regions with the same programs from the central government and international programs in the regions.

This paper aimed to explain the link between bureaucracy and public services. The focus of the research was on bureaucratic reform and changes in the paradigm of public services after decentralization in Indonesia in the period 2001-2010. Several regions carried out bureaucratic reforms in order to provide optimal services, but of the approximately 440 regencies/cities in Indonesia at that time, most did not do so. By using qualitative methods, the authors found the following results: post-decentralization, bureaucratic behavior in public services did not undergo a paradigm shift; and bureaucratic reform as an effort to develop better public services could be achieved through building bureaucratic capacity and accountability. Based on the results, the authors provide recommendations: first, the pattern of personnel recruitment must change to a merit system; second, work standards and a system of rewards and punishments need to be developed; and third, the regional head must reform the bureaucracy with the support of the regional legislature. Keywords: decentralization policy, bureaucracy, public service, paradigm change

This paper aims to uncover the process of public policies formulation, specifically regarding poverty reduction strategies and social protection in Toba Regency, North Sumatra. The poverty reduction policy that is the focus of this research consists of three Regional Regulations (Perda), which were only issued in 2019, after the district was established (autonomy) since 1999, namely: Regional Regulation No. 2/2019 concerning the Implementation of Social Welfare, Regional Regulation No. 10/2019 concerning Protection and Fulfillment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Regional Regulation Number policy formulation11/2019 concerning the Implementation of Elderly Welfare. This qualitative research concludes that the process and formulation of poverty reduction policies in Toba Regency took place technocratically and elitist. First, the three Regional Regulations are considered as "derived regulations", the operationalization of a higher level of statutory regulation (in this case government laws and regulations), which are considered to have clear scope and conception. Secondly, the three regional regulations were drafted at the end of the government (executive) period and national legislative elections which have implications and the potential for ineffective implementation of policies and as well as minimal oversight of the legislative majority which is not elected in the next period. This factor caused suspicion towards the three Regional Regulations to be solely formulated for the pragmatic interests of the incumbent regents for the sake of popularity and electability in the next regional elections. Third, there is a lack of public participation because these three regional regulations have policy targets for socially, culturally and politically vulnerable and voiceless groups, as well as the lack of support from civil society organizations. Based on the findings above, the policy recommendation put forward is that public involvement in the process and formulation of this Perda is not merely administrative in nature, but an active sequence from the setting agenda to the formulation.

The purpose of this article is to delves the implications of a divided or unified government for public policy making in Indonesian democracy transition process. This article used qualitative methodology. Data which was collected during the early phases of the research process was analysed by using several descriptive analysis techniques.The authors found evidence that showed that the formation of a unified government during Gus Dur-Megawati, Megawati-Hamzah Haz, SBY-JK, and SBY-Boediono regimes did not translate into an easy public policy making process. The same is expected to apply to Jokowi-JK government. The existence of a divided government during Jokowi-JK regime continues hampering the policy making process. The existence of a divided or unified government does not have so much influence on the policy making process rather the substance of the policy, the level of support the government can garner in the national assembly.