Developing Tourism in Indonesia through Functional Asymmetrical Decentralization
Andy Omara, Ph.D, Gunawan Tauda, S.H.,LLM.

Universitas Gadjah Mada School of Law
Bulaksumur Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Existing literatures explain two different models on how a country is governed i.e. centralized and decentralized models. Centralization means central government is the sole authority in governing the country. Local governments within centralized model do not have significant power to determine the method to manage regions. All affairs and businesses managed and carried out by central government. Centralized model therefore often called as top-down approach. This approach is somehow more effective because it does not require to consider the inputs from local governments. Such approach, however, will not likely last long because local governments --the entities which will implement such policies-- are neglected. They are excluded in the decision-making process. Another approach is decentralized model. Unlike centralized model, decentralization believes that local government plays essential roles in determining policy for the regions. The central authority will consider very seriously all inputs from local government so that it fits with the real-world situation on the ground. Utilizing centralized-decentralized approaches, this paper aims to analyze what would be the most favorable approach in developing regions particularly tourism in Indonesia. Should it be centralized or decentralized. This paper argues that decentralization particularly functional asymmetrical decentralization is essential for local government in developing tourism. Functional asymmetrical decentralization recognizes the unique characteristics of each and every region based on its function -not solely based on political consideration. Within this approach, every regional authority should identify it function as reflected in the unique characteristics of the region. This is important so that it can be developed optimally. To complement such approach, the central government should consider seriously all relevant inputs from local government so that it fits with the need of the regions as well as the national grand design for the whole regions in Indonesia. These combined approaches are important because developing one region have significant impact to the neighboring regions. The central government in this case plays significant roles in coordinating and bridging among regions.

Keywords: Functional Asymmetrical Decentralization, Tourism, Indonesia

Topic: Law on Tourism