Denpasar, Bali – Strengthening
Institutional Capacity and Authority of Citizens, Environment, and Hamlets in
Indonesia. This research was conducted by I Gede Waha Sabudi Perdana, I Wayan
Parsa, I Gusti Ngurah Parikesit Widiatedja, and Ni Gusti Ayu Dyah Satyawati
from Udayana University in a scientific article published in the East Asian
Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR) Volume 5 Number 2 of 2026.
Research conducted by I Gede Waha
Sabudi Perdana, I Wayan Parsa, I Gusti Ngurah Parikesit Widiatedja, and Ni
Gusti Ayu Dyah Satyawati revealed that Rukun Warga (RW), Environment, and
Hamlet have a vital role in public services and community empowerment, but
their authority is only derivative through delegation or mandates from the
village head and village head. This condition is considered to cause legal
uncertainty and has the potential to open up space for abuse of authority if it
is not strictly regulated.
RW and
Hamlet: Socially Important, Weak in Regulation
In
daily government practice, RWs and hamlet heads are at the forefront of the
state at the environmental level. They help manage population administration,
maintain social order, facilitate citizens' deliberations, and support village
development programs.
However,
based on an analysis of Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government,
the researchers found that the position of RW and Hamlet is not explicitly
regulated as part of the structure of autonomous government. They are only
positioned as auxiliary organs of the village head or village head. This gap
creates a unique situation: social responsibility is great, but legal
legitimacy is limited.
Delegative,
Not Attributive Authority
The
research, which uses juridical-normative methods with legislative, historical,
comparative, and conceptual approaches, concludes that the authority of RW and
hamlet heads is not the original authority given directly by law.
In
the theory of administrative law, authority can be obtained through:
- Attribution (direct grant of
authority by law)
- Delegation (delegation of
authority from higher officials)
- Mandate (performance of duties on
behalf of the authorizer)
RW
and hamlet heads are included in the category of delegation or mandate. This
means that the legal responsibility remains with the village head or village
head as the main authority holder. Udayana University researchers believe that
this model creates ambiguity in administrative practice, especially when there
is a conflict of authority or legal accountability issues.
Three
Main Problems: Philosophical, Juridical and Sociological
The
study identified three key issues:
1.
Philosophical Issues
Citizen participation is the foundation of a democratic state. RW and Hamlet
are the closest channels of participation to the people. When their role is not
legally strengthened, the principle of people's sovereignty becomes less
optimal at the grassroots level.
2.
Juridical Problems
The absence of explicit regulations in the Local Government Law creates a
regulatory loophole. Delegation without clear boundaries risks abuse of power.
3.
Sociological Problems
The work area of villages and sub-districts is often large. Without RWs and
hamlets, it is difficult for public services to reach the community
effectively. Socially, this institution is irreplaceable.
The
study calls for a "gap between social needs and legal recognition" in
local governance.
Strategic
Role in Good Governance
RW
and Hamlet are considered as the main channel for the implementation of good
governance principles, especially in the following aspects:
- Community participation
- Transparency
- Responsiveness
- Service efficiency
- Accountability
Delegation of
authority to the environmental level can increase bureaucratic effectiveness.
However, without a formal accountability mechanism, the potential for
irregularities remains.
The researchers
emphasized that institutional strengthening is not only a matter of increasing
authority, but also ensuring that there are clear limits on power in accordance
with the principles of the rule of law.
Recommendation:
Special Regional Regulation and Capacity Building
The
study noted at least four strategic recommendations:
- The establishment of special Regional
Regulations (Perda) that expressly regulate the authority of RW and
Hamlets.
- Establishment of formal
accountability mechanisms, including reporting standards and
performance indicators.
- Regular administrative and legal
training for the heads of neighborhoods and hamlets.
- Integration of the role of RW and
Hamlet in long-term regional development planning.
According
to the research team, legal formalities through the Regional Regulation will
provide certainty, protection, and prevent overlapping authorities.
Implications
for Public Policy
These
findings are relevant for local governments and the DPRD in designing
regulations that are more responsive to the needs of the community.
Strengthening RWs and Hamlets is also important in the context of digitizing
public services and developing smart villages (Smart Village).
Without
strengthening the law, bureaucratic transformation risks stopping at the
district or city level, without reaching the most basic social units. This
research conveys a strong message: building effective government must start
from the very bottom of the structure.
Author
Profile
•
I Gede Waha Sabudi Perdana–Udayana
University.
•
I Wayan Parsa–Udayana University.
•
I Gusti Ngurah Parikesit Widiatedja – Udayana
University
•
By Gusti Ayu Dyah Satyawati–Udayana
University.
Research
Source
Premier,
I Gede Waha Sabudi; Parsa, I Wayan; The Lord is the Creator of the universe,
and He is the Creator of the universe. Be faithful, the Lord is good. (2026).
East
Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), Vol. 5 No. 2
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i2.35
Official
URL : https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr
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