Vol. 16 No. 3 (2024)

This study aims to analyze the most effective communication strategies, personal branding, social media utilization, and data-driven campaign methods in influencing public opinion and mobilizing support. Qualitative descriptive research methods were employed to collect data through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and the analysis of documents pertinent to political campaigns. The result showed that the primary strategies employed by regional head candidates encompass the construction of a favorable image, placing campaign props in pivotal locations, and adapting campaign messages to align with the region's social, cultural, and community characteristics. The strategic incorporation of marketing components can potentially enhance a candidate's probability of electoral success. Both candidates continue to construct a robust and favorable image, optimize the utilization of campaign props, leverage social media as a dynamic communication tool, and provide pertinent and engaging campaign content. It is imperative to acknowledge that this research is constrained by certain limitations, particularly concerning the data employed, which is contextual and region-specific. Consequently, the findings may be challenging to generalize to other regions with disparate social, cultural, and political attributes. Therefore, further research must be conducted to evaluate the influence of ethical and regulatory frameworks on the utilization of political marketing techniques, including matters about data privacy and misinformation. Such an approach will contribute to the advancement of a robust and flourishing democratic system.

An integrated institutional approach is expected to be a solution to overcome this policy fragmentation. With integrated mangrove management across jurisdictions, it can be clearer to maintain the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem while supporting sustainable development in the coastal area of Jakarta Bay. This study aims to develop an ideal inter-jurisdictional institutional framework for mangrove management in Jakarta Bay. The study used primary and secondary data. Data analysis uses stakeholder analysis, multidimensional scaling (MDS), and interpretive structural modeling (ISM). The results of the stakeholder classification showed that local communities occupy the subject category, the key players are the central government and regional governments, universities and NGOs occupy the context setter position, and the crowded category is the private sector. The results of the MDS analysis using RAP Mangrove show a sustainability index value for the institutional dimension of 11.59%. The institutional design of the three elements, which are divided into 11 sub-elements, shows that the availability of adequate data and planning for the implementation of mangrove rehabilitation, restoring mangrove ecosystems in damaged conditions, improving the quality of degraded mangrove cover and ponds, and mangrove rehabilitation at the multi-strata government policy and program level (multi-related sectors, regional government, and village government) are the basis for the achievement of the other sub-elements. Synchronization of regulations and policies across sectors, as well as active participation from various stakeholders, are the keys to success in maintaining the sustainability of mangrove ecosystems.

Poverty remains a significant challenge in Indonesia, with a national rate of around 9.36% in 2023 and 16 provinces exceeding this poverty level. This study aims to analyze poverty patterns across districts and cities by using K-Means Clustering and examine the effectiveness of government interventions in poverty reduction through panel data regression with the Fixed Effect Model (FEM). Results indicate that higher-poverty areas benefit most from social assistance, village funds, credit schemes, and GRDP, while capital spending exacerbates poverty. On the other hand, lower-poverty areas achieve reductions through capital spending, village funds, and GRDP, with minimal impact from social assistance and credit schemes. Also, these results emphasize the need for targeted interventions, such as optimizing social assistance and credit access programs in higher-poverty areas and implementing growth-focused strategies, including physical infrastructure development, in lower-poverty regions.

This study analyzed public perceptions of regional innovation in Banyuwangi Regency. This study was conducted at the Banyuwangi Regional Government, the most innovative region in the last 5 years. This study adopts the theory of Regional Innovation and indicators in the Global Innovation Index (GII) and the Regional Innovation Index (IID). Data collection was carried out online with 311 respondents (N-311). The analysis method used a descriptive method with the SPSS 2017 application. The results of the analysis show that there is a relationship between public perceptions of regional innovation, generally having a very good category, but the product sophistication variable has an index value of 4.17 with the smallest good category compared to the index values of other variables, this is in line with the achievement of the Banyuwangi Regency regional innovation index in 2023 with an index value of 84.19 which experienced a decrease previously the index value in 2022, namely 96.3 where product sophistication was the lowest with a value of 44.5%. At the end of the research section, the author tries to recommend that the Banyuwangi Regency government improve the credit and investment system to improve the market sophistication variable in the regional innovation index.

Sustainability of performance target achievement. While quantitative target achievement has reached an ideal state, it is often accompanied by a lack of sustainability as a continuous cycle. This cycle should be established from the inception of regional innovations, preventing them from becoming a burden on the government due to the utilization of various resources, including budget, time, and innovation actors. This research employs a qualitative approach with literature review data analysis to explore research perspectives and establish a framework aligned with the research subject. This approach facilitates developing or deepening theories and insights into the research subject. Previous research has focused on applying sustainability concepts within companies or corporations to enhance economic growth (revenue), social responsibility (community), and environmental sustainability. This research formulates a conceptual design for a sustainability assessment standard using empirically tested indicators for local governments. The concept utilizes the triple bottom line (TBL) approach, encompassing three dimensions: prosperity, people, and planet. These three dimensions serve as the focal points of intervention within the sustainability framework of this concept. The concept evaluates the potential for developing and continuing existing practices or, alternatively, identifies opportunities for cessation and replacement with more effective and efficient implementation methods through economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This research successfully develops an evaluation matrix for assessing regional innovation and establishes indicators that can be used as measurement tools within local government organizational units at smaller scales. However, the research is limited in its ability to generalize sustainability from a single framework or concept to diverse concepts tailored to the specific conditions of individual local governments. Time and methodological constraints also limit the scope of the research, leaving room for further refinement and expansion in future studies.

This research aims to examine the integration of local culture in a smart city. The novelty of this research introduces the concept of a Culturally Integrated Smart City, which emphasizes the importance of integrating the Smart City technology framework with local cultural values so that the development of smart cities becomes more inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in local wisdom. The research used a descriptive qualitative. The main data source in this research was obtained from informants. The initial informants were selected purposefully: people who understand problems in collaborative governance and smart cities. The research found that effective communication through face-to-face dialogue in development planning provides space for the community to convey aspirations, which become part of government policy. In addition, building trust between the government and the community has proven crucial in managing Smart City initiatives, especially in developing technological infrastructure such as CCTV surveillance systems and tourist alley revitalization programs. The commitment of local governments, the private sector, and active community participation in every stage of the implementation of the Sombere-based Smart City in Makassar reflects solid collaboration based on local cultural values. The limitations of this research emphasize the aspects of collaboration and cultural integration in Smart Cities but have not discussed in depth the technical and economic aspects that also affect the sustainability of Smart City.

Despite its potential benefits to humanity, the green economy fails to ensure an optimal balance and is instead a political concern. The global crisis includes climate disasters and is characterized by climate change, biodiversity loss, massive deforestation, administrative challenges, and other ecological damage. These exacerbate concerns for the environment, society, and economic balance. However, public understanding of green governance is lacking in Southeast Asia, which is considered a potential obstacle to public consensus on forest-dependent interests. Media coverage of forest governance is considered an important source of information in shaping public opinion as it generates digital representations. This study aims to investigate the presence of green economic governance in sustainable development in online news articles through content analysis of media coverage. Over two years (01/01/2020-01/01/2022), researchers collected Indonesian-language articles using the NCapture feature of NVivo 12 Plus, specifically focused on the topic "Environment." A total of 191 national and regional articles provided coverage. The result showed that the regional media Kabapulau.co.id dominates the level of reporting on green economy discourse in North Maluku, and the five online media are equally prominent regarding the natural resource efficiency index. This does not confirm that the environmental management carried out in North Maluku has adhered to the principles of green economy and sustainable development, considering that most of the news carried out by each media contradicts the indicators of green economy and sustainable development goals.

In the current era of information technology and digitalization, the transformation of structural changes in the economy seems to be running so fast that it exceeds the readiness factor of the community itself. As a result, the impact of development only results in achieving macroeconomic targets. At the same time, micro-scale economic solutions often experience setbacks, as experienced by most rural communities in East Sumba Regency, characterized as farmers and Sumba ikat weavers with relatively low family income and education levels. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the institutional role of BUM Desa, especially the human resources of administrators, as the driving force of economic development in rural areas. This study aims to analyze how the relationship between interpersonal skills affects organizational performance by applying good corporate governance principles. The research method uses quantitative descriptive analysis techniques sourced from secondary and primary data with a Likert scale approach. The results of the analysis of 144 respondents in 30 active BUM Desa based on SEM analysis showed that interpersonal skills factors have a positive and significant effect on implementing good corporate governance and performance. In addition, the relationship between implementing good corporate governance and performance has a positive and significant effect. This research recommends the need for government efforts to improve the work motivation of administrators at the beginning of their careers, such as 1. providing a reward system that is commensurate with employment regulations and 2. increasing cooperation and partnerships in the development of the micro, small, and medium business sector. On the other hand, the implications of this study state that BUM Desa institutions with good human capital are the main actors in developing smart villages as an answer to the challenges and threats of structural economic change.

This study analyzes the success of collaborative governance implementation in handling stunting in Bekasi City, where the stunting rate has decreased significantly from 18.18% (2018) to 2.33% (2023), far exceeding the national target of 14% for 2024. By using a qualitative case study approach, this study examines how multi-stakeholder collaboration contributed to this success. Based on the Dodeca-Helix model involving 12 stakeholder dimensions, the study revealed that effective collaborative governance is achieved through strong facilitative leadership, inclusive institutional design, and high stakeholder commitment. The collaborative framework integrates government at all levels, private sector entities, academics, and community organizations in a structured approach to stunting reduction. Data collected through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, field observations, and document analysis show that integrating local policies with the national framework, complemented by bottom-up community participation, creates a sustainable system for stunting interventions. The experience of Bekasi City offers valuable insights for other regions developing stunting reduction programs, emphasizing the importance of multi-level policy integration, cross-sector coordination, and active community involvement. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of collaborative governance in public health interventions and practical applications for implementing successful stunting reduction programs at the local government level.

Post-election conflicts in Lamaksenulu Village, Indonesia, reflect public dissatisfaction with election results and underlying socio-political tensions. This study examines conflict management strategies in the context of Thomas and Kilmann’s conflict management theory within a rural Indonesian setting. Adopting a descriptive qualitative approach, the study examines how collaboration, compromise, and accommodation—mediated by traditional leadership and hybrid governance—were used to address disputes. Although reconciliation was pursued through deliberation and dialogue, structural dissatisfaction remains, posing risks of recurring tensions. This research contributes to the literature by localizing a widely used Western conflict management model, offering a culturally grounded perspective on post-election conflict resolution. It demonstrates how combining formal institutions with indigenous practices enhances understanding of conflict dynamics in rural democracies. Key recommendations include improving electoral transparency, strengthening traditional leadership in dispute mediation, and developing inclusive reconciliation programs to foster lasting socio-political stability.

Effective governance frameworks are becoming increasingly important as Artificial Intelligence (AI) pervades all strata of society. This study examines the importance of social media in influencing public discourse and perception of issues related to AI governance. Specifically, the study examines social media coverage of Artificial Intelligence and AI governance structures. It also examines how the social media representation of AI may impact public understanding and inform policy decisions. Ultimately, it examines the potential of social media as a tool for promoting informed public debate and contributing to the development of responsible AI governance. The study adopts a multi-method approach, combining sentiment analysis and content analysis. The unit of analysis for the study comprises posts on social media platforms and stories from major online news sources over six years (2019–2024). The study adopts the machine learning analytic tool, Mentionlytics, to generate its data. The methodology combines both human and Mentionlytics categorization of themes, including societal implications, technical breakthroughs, and ethical considerations. Sentiment analysis is also used to monitor shifts in public perception and social media coverage over time of AI governance issues. The findings of the study add to the ongoing conversation about maximizing the benefits of AI while minimizing its potential concerns.

As the world’s largest archipelagic country, Indonesia faces unique challenges in digital transformation, particularly regarding digital disparities across its nine archipelagic provinces. This study explores how Indonesia’s archipelagic characteristics can be leveraged to bridge digital gaps and achieve inclusive digital transformation. Using a qualitative-exploratory approach with thematic analysis of secondary data, the research develops an archipelagic-based digital transformation framework. The findings reveal that infrastructure limitations, low digital literacy, and fragmented geography drive significant digital disparities. The “Hub and Spoke” model effectively addresses these challenges, with well-connected digital hubs serving as knowledge and support centers for surrounding islands. The research findings indicate that an archipelago-based approach, combining top-down and bottom-up elements, is most effective for implementing digital transformation. In conclusion, successful digital transformation in Indonesia requires a strategy that considers the geographic characteristics of the archipelago, supported by comprehensive government policies, adequate infrastructure, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Key recommendations include increasing investment in telecommunications infrastructure in the 3T (frontier and remote) regions, developing digital literacy based on local characteristics, and strengthening dodeca-helix partnerships for sustainable digital transformation implementation.

Civil servant investigators are the vanguard in criminal law enforcement based on sectoral laws. The performance of civil servant investigators in Indonesia is not optimal, among other factors, due to minimal incentives, unclear career paths, and investigators who are not actively conducting investigations. In response to this problem, the Ministry of Law proposed making civil servant investigators a functional position; however, it is currently delayed due to a moratorium imposed by the Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform on the formation of new functional positions. This study is a normative and descriptive legal research and uses job stress theory as a reference. The study aims to assess the urgency of establishing a functional position for civil servant investigators through observations at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in the 2015-2024 period. The results indicate that civil servant investigators need to be in a functional position based on the analysis of operational and organizational stress. From the operational stress perspective, the duties of civil servant investigators are fraught with risks, ranging from physical asset risks, human resource asset risks, financial asset risks, legal risks, reputation risks, and psychosocial risks. From an organizational stress aspect, the workload of civil servant investigators is considered high because they are required to handle at least four cases a year. The workload becomes more intense because civil servant investigators are required to investigate cases of money laundering. Related to operational stress and organizational stress, civil servant investigators need to be equipped with the internalization of the integrity system, as well as the provision of management support and operational support. Becoming a civil servant investigator is expected to be a promising career for civil servants.

Strengthening tourism is expected to increase the economy and increase tourist visits. Local wisdom-based tourism development strategies and policies have a significant impact on the sustainability of tourism towards sustainable tourism. This research analyzes the strategies and policies for developing the Isen Mulang Cultural Festival (FBIM) as a local wisdom-based tourist destination, focusing on sustainable tourism. A qualitative research method with a descriptive approach was used to describe the phenomena that occurred, understand the dynamics of festival development in a socio-cultural context, and capture the perspectives of various stakeholders. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis of policies and practices related to the festival, aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding and answers to the research objectives. The results showed that the FBIM development strategy for sustainable tourism was implemented through promotion and collaboration with the private sector. The FBIM’s development policy for sustainable tourism is implemented through the training and empowerment of tourism human resources, local economic empowerment, infrastructure development, and the promotion of local wisdom. The Central Kalimantan Provincial Government has regulated tourism promotion through Regional Regulation Number 3 of 2013 concerning the Tourism Development Master Plan. The FBIM is a featured event in Karisma Event Nusantara 2024, curated by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Karisma Event Nusantara 2024 is an event to promote the FBIM to local and foreign tourists so that this festival has sustainability towards sustainable tourism.

The contribution of local taxes to the subnational government budget was minimal. The average local tax ratio in Indonesia is only 1,21%. Consequently, subnational governments remain highly dependent on transfers from the central government. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence tax compliance is essential for easing the central government's budget constraints and strengthening local government self-reliance. This study examines the relationship between tax morale, tax awareness, and tax service quality in shaping tax compliance in Jakarta Province. In addition, this study explores how digital transformation affects the relationship between these factors and tax compliance. The research methodology is quantitative, where the Partially Least Square-Structured Equation Model (PLS-SEM) is employed. The data was collected through questionnaires on land and building tax at UPPD Kelapa Gading, a local tax office in Jakarta. Using convenience sampling, we obtained 188 valid respondents for analysis. The finding concluded that tax morale and tax service quality positively affect the taxpayer. On the other hand, tax awareness has no significant effect on tax compliance. Meanwhile, the implementation of information technology to streamline the business process was effective in improving the relationship between tax awareness and tax service quality to tax compliance but has minimal effect on tax morale. This finding implies that enhancing tax compliance requires both internal and external perspectives. Meanwhile, solely improving taxpayers' knowledge has a minimal impact. Furthermore, digital transformation effectively enhances external factors, such as tax awareness and tax service quality, by providing taxpayers with easy access to reporting, notification, and paying taxes.