Indonesia
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FILLING THE GAP: Good Governance and the MDGs in Eight Indonesian Provinces
Good governance is essential in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the national and local levels. In simple terms, […]
Good governance is essential in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the national and local levels. In simple terms, good governance is defined as the management of government that upholds transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, while remaining responsive and participatory. The actualization of good governance guarantees effective governance, which, in turn, accelerates the process of achieving the country’s goals, namely, to improve the welfare of the people. Furthermore, good governance reflects the principle of people’s sovereignty (from, by, and for the people). Therefore, it should guarantee, protect, and strengthen the rights of the people. In short, good governance is the primary prerequisite for achieving the MDGs in Indonesia, categorized as a country with high levels of corruption. Good governance presents a significant challenge at both the national and regional levels. Civil society participation plays a crucial role in monitoring and advocating for good governance and in achieving good governance. Civil society networks across eight provinces with varying MDG achievement levels, namely West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Central Java (Jateng), West Sumatra (Sumbar), South Kalimantan (Kalsel), West Kalimantan (Kalbar), South Sulawesi (Sulsel), and West Sulawesi (Sulbar), have taken the initiative to monitor and assess good governance in their regions, linking it to the achievement of the MDGs. Three methods are employed for this assessment: (a) Joint Assessment Card (KPB), which evaluates the parties involved in achieving good governance and the MDGs; (b) Budget Tracking, which assesses the government budget; (c) Consistency Analysis of Public Policy Documents, which evaluates government policies; and (d) Assessment of Minimum Service Standards (SPM), which assesses the quantity and quality of public services provided by the government. The results of this assessment serve as the basis for compiling this report, “Good Governance for Achieving the MDGs.” This report aims to complement government reports that have thus far focused on achieving the MDGs using quantitative methods such as surveys and censuses.
