Efforts to strengthen regional autonomy have once again become a primary focus for the Indonesian Regional Representative Council. Accelerating regional independence can be achieved through solid regulatory harmonization between the central government and regional governments.

The Vice Chairperson for Regional Autonomy, Politics, and Law noted that many regional regulations still do not align with national policies, thereby hindering public services, investment, and regional development directions.

The harmonization agenda is not merely an administrative task but a foundation that determines how regions can effectively exercise their autonomy.

“We are not here to supervise or take over regional authority, but to ensure that central and regional policies do not operate in isolation. Everything must aim for one goal: the public interest,” stated the Vice Chairperson during a working visit of the Regional Legislative Affairs Body at the West Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Jakarta Street, Bandung City.

The Vice Chairperson added that the lack of synchronization in several Regional Regulations, particularly in tourism, spatial planning, and village governance, indicates a need for significant updates in regional regulation formulation. Some regulations are even considered no longer relevant to national standards, especially those concerning human rights protection and inclusivity principles.

Since its establishment in 2019, the body has issued 13 decisions regarding the monitoring and evaluation of Regional Regulation Drafts and Regional Regulations. Many recommendations have subsequently been followed up by regional governments across Indonesia, covering issues from local taxes and levies, waste management, to spatial planning improvements. The peak was a spatial planning policy dissemination activity in July 2025, which recorded the highest response from regional governments.

A member of the council conveyed that based on monitoring in 34 provinces, almost all regions face similar problems in formulating Regional Regulations.

Four fundamental issues were identified: regulatory disharmony, limited human resources, weak inter-agency coordination, and low quality of academic manuscripts.

“This is not merely an administrative issue. Structure, methodology, and human resource readiness must be improved. Because weak Regional Regulations will result in weak implementation,” stated the member.

The member revealed that consultation forums like the one held in Bandung are crucial for exploring obstacles in Regional Regulation formulation in more detail.

The member expressed hope that this discussion would produce actionable recommendations for relevant ministries so that regions can obtain more appropriate, adaptive, and contextual authority spaces.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chairperson highlighted two main requirements for regions to produce strong regulations. First, regions must have sufficient authority to regulate local needs without always waiting for central regulations. Second, facilitation and harmonization processes must be strengthened by the central government, particularly through the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, including capacity building for local legal product designers.

The Vice Chairperson emphasized that without such support, the concept of regional autonomy, which essentially aims to strengthen regional competitiveness, would move further out of reach.

“Normative, procedural, and institutional obstacles must be immediately addressed so that the Regional Regulation formulation process does not become merely about fulfilling legal formalities,” stated the Vice Chairperson.

The Vice Chairperson reaffirmed that synergy is key to sustainable regional development. Strong, adaptive Regional Regulations that align with national regulatory developments are believed to strengthen public services while opening broader spaces for investment and regional development.

“Asymmetric decentralization must continue to be encouraged. Regions must be given space to grow according to their characteristics, and our task is to oversee the regulations so they truly benefit the public,” said the Vice Chairperson.

Indonesian Regional Representative Council

The Indonesian Regional Representative Council, known locally as DPD, is an upper legislative chamber in Indonesia’s governmental system. It was established in 2004 as part of a major constitutional reform to give the country’s provinces a direct voice at the national level. The council’s primary role is to propose and provide consideration on bills related to regional autonomy and intergovernmental relations.

Regional Legislative Affairs Body

A Regional Legislative Affairs Body is a local governing council that creates and debates laws for a specific region, such as a province or state. Its history is tied to the development of regional self-governance within a larger national framework, often evolving to address the unique administrative and political needs of its constituency. These bodies are fundamental to the decentralized implementation of a country’s legal and policy directives.

West Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights

The West Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights is a government institution responsible for implementing legal administration and human rights policies in the province. Historically, its functions have evolved alongside Indonesia’s legal system, focusing on areas such as correctional services, immigration, and public legal awareness. It serves as a key local representative of the national ministry, ensuring the application of national law within the West Java region.

Jakarta Street

“Jakarta Street” is a common name for major thoroughfares in many Indonesian cities, rather than a single specific cultural site. These streets are typically central commercial and transportation hubs, historically developing as key routes during the colonial or early independence periods. Today, they are vibrant, bustling areas that reflect the modern urban life and economic activity of the city.

Bandung City

Bandung is the capital of West Java, Indonesia, famously nicknamed the “Paris of Java” for its European-style architecture and vibrant arts scene. Historically, it gained international prominence as the host of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, a pivotal meeting for the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War. Today, it is a major educational and creative hub, known for its universities, fashion outlets, and stunning volcanic mountain scenery.

Ministry of Law and Human Rights

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia is a government institution responsible for developing and administering the national legal system and upholding human rights. It was established in 2009, consolidating previous departments, to strengthen legal certainty and the protection of citizens’ rights in accordance with the nation’s democratic principles.

Ministry of Home Affairs

The Ministry of Home Affairs is a central government department responsible for a nation’s internal security, domestic policy, and public administration. Its history is often tied to the formation of the modern state, evolving from older institutions like a “Home Office” to manage law and order, citizenship, and national integrity. The specific functions and historical milestones vary by country, but it typically plays a crucial role in maintaining internal peace and governance.