Decentralisation Policy to Strengthen Local Government Capacity in Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia

Abtract—The new chapter of decentralization in Indonesia began in the reformation era in 2000 and was marked by Law number 22 of 1999 concerning Local Government. It was believed that this Law would bring fundamental changes to local governments in Indonesia. The hope was reflected in the existence of drastic reforms in the management relations among the central government, the provinces and districts/cities, in the distribution of authority among government tiers, in financial resource management, in human and natural resource management, in local legislative roles, public service management, the evaluation and monitoring mechanism, and as well as civic participation. However, lack of preparation, lack of organization and unprepared local capacity caused the implementation of decentralization to be marked by various delays. Hence, reinforcing local capacities is a vital element that should be undertaken by Indonesia government to support decentralization. Keyword : Decentralization, Local Government and Capacity Building