Indonesian Journal of Social Sciences, Policy and Politics

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF THE SUBDISTRICT HEAD IN MANAGING CIVIL SERVANTS’ PERFORMANCE IN THE DIGITALIZATION ERA: A CASE STUDY OF SAMARINDA ILIR SUBDISTRICT

Andi Ahmad, Imam Syahid, Hashfi Rafdi, Mujiburrahman Mujiburrahman — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Digital transformation has changed the way local governments manage employees and deliver public services, requiring civil servants to adapt to digital systems and changing work practices. This study examines the implementation of transformational leadership in managing civil servants’ performance during digital transformation at Samarinda Ilir Subdistrict, Samarinda City. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study involved 12 informants selected through purposive sampling, consisting of the Subdistrict Head, managerial officials, civil servants, and community service users. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, non-participatory observation, and documentation, and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The findings show that the four dimensions of transformational leadership were reflected in the Subdistrict Head’s managerial practices. Idealized influence was demonstrated through discipline, responsibility, and exemplary behavior, while inspirational motivation encouraged employees to remain committed and adapt to digital work requirements. Intellectual stimulation emerged as the most prominent dimension because it directly addressed differences in digital competency through continuous learning, technical guidance, peer assistance, and changes in work practices. Individualized consideration was reflected in support provided according to employees’ different levels of technological readiness and work difficulties. The implementation of transformational leadership was supported by employees’ willingness to learn, competency development initiatives, peer assistance, and available facilities, while unequal digital competence, unstable internet connectivity, technical problems, and varying levels of public digital literacy remained challenges. The study contributes to transformational leadership research by demonstrating how its four dimensions operate in the practical management of digital transformation at the subdistrict level of local government.

EVALUATION OF THE CIPP MODEL IN THE PEDESTRIAN LANE PROGRAM ON DR MANSYUR STREET, MEDAN CITY

Ridoi Sihura, Zoraya Alfathin Rangkuti — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The pedestrian path program is one of the Medan City Government's efforts, through the Highways Division of the SDABMBK Office, to provide safe, comfortable, and user- friendly road infrastructure for all users, including people with disabilities. This study aims to launch the pedestrian path program on street Dr. Mansyur, Medan, This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collection techniques including in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. This study also using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) evaluation model. The results indicate that, in terms of context indicators, the program has achieved its intended target but has not yet optimally addressed pedestrian needs. In terms of input indicators, human and institutional resources are adequate, but budget allocation is suboptimal. In terms of process indicators, implementation has been ineffective due to a lack of coordination between programs and a lack of ongoing maintenance. In terms of product indicators, the sidewalks constructed do not meet minimum pedestrian infrastructure service standards, in terms of function, safety, and aesthetics. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the Medan City Government establish comprehensive sidewalk rehabilitation priorities, establish a cross-regional coordination team, and implement regular evaluations of pedestrian infrastructure conditions

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SP4N-LAPOR PROGRAM IN RESPONDING TO REPORTS AND COMMUNITY ASPIRATIONS AT THE COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATICS OFFICE OF SIMALUNGUN REGENCY

Joel F Sidabutar, Tunggul Sihombing — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the National Public Service Complaint Management System (SP4N-LAPOR) in responding to public reports and aspirations at the Department of Communication and Informatics (Diskominfo) of Simalungun Regency. SP4N-LAPOR is a technology-based public service innovation designed to improve transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in government administration. However, its implementation at the regional level still encounters several challenges that affect the effectiveness of complaint management. This research employed a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with two SP4N-LAPOR liaison officers and two community members who had submitted complaints, supported by direct observation and documentation. The analysis was conducted using George C. Edward III’s policy implementation framework, which focuses on communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. The findings reveal that communication among liaison officers, regional government agencies, and the public remains ineffective due to limited socialization and unclear information delivery. Resource constraints include technical disruptions, inadequate infrastructure, and the absence of dedicated budgets and incentives for implementers. In terms of disposition, weak coordination and inconsistent follow-up have reduced the effectiveness of complaint resolution, leading to public dissatisfaction. Furthermore, frequent staff rotations and the lack of a formally approved Standard Operating Procedure have created inconsistencies in implementation. The study concludes that optimizing SP4N-LAPOR requires stronger communication strategies, improved human and technical resources, accelerated institutionalization of operational procedures, and enhanced inter-agency coordination. These measures are essential to strengthen responsive, participatory, transparent, and accountable public service delivery in Simalungun Regency.

EFFECTIVENESS OF POP IMPLEMENTATION FOR POPULATION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES IN KADUNGORA DISTRICT: ANALYSIS OF CONFORMITY WITH NATIONAL STANDARDS

Riri Sawitri, Raden Imam Al Hafis — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for population administration services in Kadungora Subdistrict, Garut Regency, and to assess their compliance with national public service standards. The research questions focus on the extent to which SOPs are consistently implemented and the factors that influence service quality. The research uses a descriptive analytical qualitative approach, with data collection through in-depth interviews with subdistrict officials and the community, direct observation of the service process, and a literature review of 15 scientific references related to digitization, service innovation, and population administration service standards. Data analysis was conducted using an interactive model including reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study show that SOPs have been adequately implemented, with procedures and costs that are in accordance with standards. However, there are limitations in the use of digitization, uneven service innovation, and transparency of service times. Recommendations for problem solving include optimizing public e-services, expanding proactive service innovation in all villages, and increasing transparency of service times. These findings provide relevant empirical insights for the development of more effective and responsive population administration services.

BUDGET DEFICIT AMIDST EFFICIENCY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF BUDGETARY POLITICS IN RIAU PROVINCE

Syafhendry, Rizky Setiawan, Efina Nadila Akmalia, Dinda Anisa Tamara — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract: The State or Regional Budget has significant benefits in financing various public needs, such as education, health care, and infrastructure, as well as stimulating economic growth. In the process of obtaining the budget between the central and regional governments, there is political space in the discussions, known as budget politics.Budgeting processes are often implemented in various ways that place more emphasis on the political dimension, where the budget is then distributed to various things to achieve development goals.Amidst a deficit in state and regional revenues, the central government is implementing efficiency measures, hindering budget transfers from the central government to the regions. The problems arising from this delay in budget transfers have hampered the financing of various public needs, such as education, health, infrastructure, and economic growth. The 2025 Riau Provincial Budget experienced a deficit ofRp. 3.5 trillion2025. The Riau provincial government must complete this difficult task so that government policies and programs can be realized.The purpose of this study is to comprehensively examine the relationship between budget politics, efficiency, and deficits in Riau Province. Seeing this phenomenon, the author is interested in examining the emerging symptoms to find a coherent model between budget politics, efficiency, and deficits. The method and type of this study are descriptive qualitative. The informant drawing technique uses propositional sampling. Data collection techniques in this study are interviews, observation, literature study, and documentation.

THE IMPACT OF PLASTIC PRICE INCREASES ON THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE COMMUNITY IN BATAM CITY

Oktapia Asif Rahmayanti, Raden Imam Al Hafis — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to describe the magnitude of plastic price increases in Batam City and to examine their impact on community purchasing power. From late February to early March 2026, plastic product prices in Batam experienced a significant surge driven by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, which disrupted global energy distribution routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, thereby raising the cost of petrochemical-based raw materials such as naphtha. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection conducted through semi-structured field interviews, literature review, and documentation from credible journalistic and academic sources. Three informants were selected through purposive sampling: a plastic packaging distributor, a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) representative, and a household consumer in Batam City. Data validation was performed through source triangulation by cross-referencing interview findings with media reports and academic literature. The findings indicate that plastic price increases in Batam City ranged from 50 to 100 percent depending on product type, consistent with patterns identified in national studies. The increases produced layered cost-push inflation effects across the supply chain: distributors faced sudden and unannounced price surges from suppliers; SME representative absorbed rising packaging costs to maintain customer retention; and household consumers reduced expenditure and shifted toward reusable alternatives. Cascading effects on the prices of related commodities, including cooking oil, were also observed. This study recommends short-term social protection interventions, fiscal incentives for eco-friendly packaging transitions, and structural strengthening of the national petrochemical industry to reduce Indonesia's dependence on imported plastic raw materials.

IMPLEMENTING DIGITAL BUILDING SUPERVISION FOR SMART CITY DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE FROM DUMAI CITY

Nina Yuslaini — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Building Supervision Information System (SIPB) policy implemented by the Dumai City Land and Spatial Planning Agency in supporting the development of the Smart City concept, particularly in the smart governance aspect. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive type and is analyzed using NVivo 12 Plus. This implementation has made a positive contribution to increasing the transparency of public services, strengthening public participation, and enhancing the effectiveness of IT-based building supervision. However, the implementation of the SIPB policy has not been fully optimized due to several obstacles, including limited human resources with IT competencies, low public digital literacy, fragmentation of authority among regional government agencies (OPD), and suboptimal system integration and consistent implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP). The novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of the implementation of the digital-based building supervision policy SIPB in Dumai City. This study concludes that SIPB is a strategic instrument in supporting smart governance practices in Dumai City, but requires continuous strengthening in institutional, technical, and collaborative aspects to achieve more adaptive and sustainable policy implementation. Therefore, this study recommends strengthening cross-OPD coordination, increasing the capacity of apparatus through continuous training, optimizing outreach to the community, and developing SIPB integration with other Smart City systems to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of policy implementation.

PERFORMANCE OF THE POPULATION AND CIVIL REGISTRATION SERVICES IN PUBLIC SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN PEMATANGSIANTAR CITY

Gery Gok Boin Nainggolan, Simson Ginting — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Public services for persons with disabilities are a fundamental human right mandated by Law Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities. In Pematangsiantar City, however, challenges remain in the implementation of inclusive population administration services, including inadequate disability-friendly facilities, limited human and financial resources, and low public awareness. This study aims to analyze the performance of the Department of Population and Civil Registration in providing services for persons with disabilities based on service quality, responsiveness, and responsibility. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants included the Head of the Department, the Head of the Service Division, and persons with disabilities or their families, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model, while data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that the Department’s performance has shown positive progress through initiatives such as the mobile service “Pak Keling,” regular evaluation meetings, and increased transparency. Nevertheless, improvements are still required in disability-friendly infrastructure, staff capacity and training, and the involvement of persons with disabilities in policymaking. Strengthening these aspects is essential to achieving public services that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.

IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY FAMILY VILLAGES IN BERINGIN IN PESISIR VILLAGE, LIMAPULUH DISTRICT, PEKANBARU CITY

Atika Suryani, Devi Deswimar — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The Quality Family Village (Kampung KB) is a government strategy to develop quality families through the integration of population, family planning, family development, and community empowerment programs. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Beringin Quality Family Village in Pesisir Village, Limapuluh District, Pekanbaru City. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed. Informants were selected using purposive sampling and included the Head of the Kampung KB Executive, Family Planning Field Counselors (PLKB), cadres, midwives, the Pesisir Village Head, and community members as program beneficiaries. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, including data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that the implementation of the Beringin Quality Family Village has generally been carried out in accordance with program objectives. Based on the indicators of program suitability with the target group, suitability with the implementing organization, and compatibility between the target group and implementing organization, the program addresses community needs through various activity groups, although some activities have not been consistently implemented. The implementing organization has received cross-sectoral support and conducted coordination and monitoring, despite limitations in reporting and data updating. Communication between implementers and the community has been effective; however, community participation in several activities remains limited. Strengthening activity sustainability, increasing community participation, and improving monitoring and evaluation systems are essential to enhance the effectiveness of the program in developing quality families.

THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC SENIOR AND VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION QUOTA EXPANSION ON PRIVATE SCHOOLS A CASE STUDY OF SMK BUDI BAKTI UTAMA

Adang Sukanda, Raden Imam Al Hafis — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The expansion of public senior and vocational high school admission quotas in West Java has significantly affected the sustainability of private educational institutions. This study aims to analyse the impact of the policy and examine the adaptation strategies implemented by SMK Budi Bhakti Utama. A descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis involving school administrators and institutional records. The findings reveal that the optimization of class capacity in nearby public schools has substantially reduced the number of new student enrolments in the private school. The total student population decreased from 267 students in the 2023/2024 academic year to 233 students in 2025/2026. This decline directly affected the allocation of School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds and forced the institution to implement strict budget efficiency measures. The situation was further exacerbated by prospective students withdrawing their registration after being accepted into public schools. In response, the school adopted several adaptation strategies, including the development of a Content Creator curriculum, expansion of partnerships with retail industries, and the elimination of building fees. The study concludes that the public-school quota expansion policy has created significant managerial challenges for private schools and requires continuous innovation and institutional transformation to maintain competitiveness and sustainability.

NATURAL RESOURCE WEALTH MANAGEMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN RIAU PROVINCE

Rizky Setiawan, Raden Imam Alhafiz, Zatil Aqilla Rizalti — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Natural resources, specifically in Article 33 Paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution, are controlled by the state. These natural resources must be utilized to the greatest extent possible for the prosperity of the people. Riau is rich in natural resources, particularly petroleum, natural gas, rubber, palm oil, and forest products. This province also has potential in the fields of fisheries, agriculture, and mining.Poverty is the inability to meet minimum living standards, which include clothing, food, education, shelter and health.The phenomenon explored in this study is the imbalance between natural resource wealth and poverty, referring to a situation where a region is rich in natural resources, but its population remains impoverished. This occurs due to various factors, including unequal distribution of wealth, corruption, and lack of proper natural resource management.Natural resource wealth does not always guarantee freedom from poverty, but can cause poverty if not managed properly and fairly.The poverty rate in Riau Province in September 2025 was 6.30%. This figure increased by 0.34% compared to 6.16% in March 2025.The purpose of this study is to comprehensively examine the relationship between natural resource wealth and poverty levels in Riau Province. Seeing this phenomenon, the author is interested in examining the emerging symptoms to find a coherent model between natural resource wealth and poverty alleviation. The method and type of this study are Qualitative Descriptive. The informant drawing technique uses propositional sampling. Data collection techniques in this study are interviews, observation, literature study, and documentation.

ANALYSIS OF NETIZENS' INTERACTIONS ON GOVERNOR SHERLY TJOANDA'S TIKTOK ACCOUNT IN REFLECTING PUBLIC TRUST

Elda Lestari Setiawati, Raden Imam Al Hafis — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Development of digital technology has changed the way of government communicates with public, especially through social media platforms. TikTok has become one of the media widely used by public officials to convey information, build closeness, and engage in direct interaction with the community. This study aims to analyze netizens' interactions on Governor Sherly Tjoanda's TikTok account in reflecting public trust in local government communication. This study uses a qualitative approach with content analysis methods in responses from netizens on comments section post from Governor Sherly Tjoanda's TikTok account. The observation period was set for 31 days in May 2026 because it is the latest period available at the time the study was conducted, so the data produced can represent the most current condition. Results of research indicate that public trust is reflected through various forms of interaction, such as support for government programs, appreciation of the governor's performance, positive responses to public service information, as well as active participation in discussions. These findings suggest that TikTok not only functions as a medium for information dissemination but also as a digital communication space that allows the public to express their views and level of trust in local government. Therefore, the use of interactive and responsive social media can be one of the supporting factors in strengthening the relationship between the government and the public in the digital era.

OPTIMIZING TELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILIZATION THROUGH CENTRAL–REGIONAL SYNERGY IN INDONESIA’S USO AREAS

Rasyidah Mubarak — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The development of telecommunications infrastructure in Indonesia's Universal Service Obligation (USO) areas has achieved substantial physical progress; however, this supply-side expansion has not been matched by productive utilization on the demand side. This study analyzes the gap between connectivity availability and productive digital utilization in USO areas during the 2024–2025 period, aiming to formulate the most viable policy alternative to address this discrepancy. The research employs an evidence-based policy analysis approach utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), assessed through the aggregated judgments of a cross-sectoral panel of seven key experts. The analysis reveals that a central-regional collaborative synergy model for digital literacy planning and implementation obtained the highest weighted score (3.84 out of 5.00) and maintained its first-rank position across extreme sensitivity-analysis scenarios. This study recommends institutionalizing synergy norms through a Norms, Standards, Procedures, and Criteria (NSPK) regulatory instrument, which can serve as a foundational basis for proposing Non-Physical Special Allocation Funds (DAK Non-Fisik). These findings theoretically contribute to digital inclusion literature and offer practical frameworks for collaborative governance in frontier regions

THE EFFECT OF INFORMATION TRANSPARENCY AND DIGITAL ACCOUNTABILITY ON PUBLIC SERVICE SATISFACTION IN RANCAMANYAR VILLAGE

Afina Azzahra Almusthofa, Raden Imam Al Hafis — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The acceleration of the Electronic-Based Government System (EBGS) demands a transformation toward transparent and accountable village governance. This study aims to analyze the influence of information transparency and digital accountability on public service satisfaction in Rancamanyar Village, Bandung Regency. Using a quantitative approach, this study relies on service users as the primary data source, collected through questionnaire distribution, and supported by secondary data in the form of a documentary study of the village’s official digital platform. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics to test the significance of relationships between variables. The results indicate that information transparency and digital accountability simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on public service satisfaction in Rancamanyar Village.

However, when examined separately, the documentary analysis and community perceptions reveal technical barriers, such as the lack of synchronization in data updates and the slow system response to resident complaints. These findings imply that the provision of digital infrastructure has not yet been fully matched by optimal bureaucratic responsiveness. This study recommends the need to strengthen standard operating procedures for periodic data updates and to improve the reliability of digital interaction channels in order to realize inclusive, user-centric public services