Research Article
Navigating Meritocracy and Political Influence in Regional Bureaucratic Recruitment: Insights from Indonesia
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
214-223
Received:
15 August 2025
Accepted:
28 August 2025
Published:
10 October 2025
Abstract: This study examined the interplay between meritocracy and political influence in recruiting local bureaucrats in Indonesia, a process with significant consequences for governance and public service delivery. Meritocracy, emphasizing competence and qualifications, is widely recognized as the normative civil service (PNS) recruitment principle. However, in practice, political intervention frequently undermines merit-based procedures, fostering nepotism and weakening the quality of public services. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, this study analyzed primary and secondary data to evaluate how meritocratic principles have been integrated into regional recruitment practices. The findings revealed that while policies supporting meritocracy are formally in place, their implementation was consistently constrained by pervasive political interference. This eroded fairness and transparency, contributing to inefficiencies within local bureaucracies. The study recommends strengthening governance mechanisms, improving transparency, and encouraging community participation in recruitment to address these challenges. This research contributes to the broader discourse on bureaucratic reform by highlighting the persistent gap between policy and practice. It offers insights for policymakers seeking to enhance recruitment systems and governance quality in Indonesia.
Abstract: This study examined the interplay between meritocracy and political influence in recruiting local bureaucrats in Indonesia, a process with significant consequences for governance and public service delivery. Meritocracy, emphasizing competence and qualifications, is widely recognized as the normative civil service (PNS) recruitment principle. Howev...
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Research Article
Impact of Devolution on Service Delivery in Rural Areas in South Sudan
Bec George Anyak*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
224-233
Received:
11 September 2025
Accepted:
24 September 2025
Published:
10 October 2025
Abstract: This study examined the effects of devolution on service delivery in South Sudan through a mixed-methods approach combining household surveys (n = 450), key informant interviews (n = 32), and focus group discussions (n = 12) across four counties including Bor, Rubkona, Wau, and Torit. Descriptive statistics reveal that only 38% of respondents perceived improvements in health services and 41% in education, while satisfaction with water and sanitation services remained low at 29%. Correlation analysis shows a moderate positive relationship between fiscal transfers and perceived service delivery outcomes (r =.46, p <.01), and between community participation and accountability perceptions (r =.52, p <.01). Regression models indicate that fiscal autonomy significantly predicts improvements in local service delivery (β = 0.37, p = .002), whereas political interference and corruption negatively influenced outcomes (β = -0.42, p =.001). Qualitative findings underscore county-level disparities: Bor demonstrated stronger institutional capacity and better service outcomes, Rubkona revealed how oil revenues fostered elite capture, Wau highlighted the effects of remoteness and weak infrastructure, and Torit illustrated the impact of conflict exposure on service delivery. Across all sites, inequitable resource allocation, fragile governance, and inconsistent fiscal flows emerged as critical barriers. Overall, the evidence suggests that while devolution has opened limited spaces for local responsiveness, its transformative potential remains constrained by weak institutions and political interference. Strengthening transparency mechanisms, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and enhancing county-level capacity are essential for realizing the developmental promise of devolution in South Sudan.
Abstract: This study examined the effects of devolution on service delivery in South Sudan through a mixed-methods approach combining household surveys (n = 450), key informant interviews (n = 32), and focus group discussions (n = 12) across four counties including Bor, Rubkona, Wau, and Torit. Descriptive statistics reveal that only 38% of respondents perce...
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