CHAIRPERSON
Dr Michelle Miller, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.
ABSTRACT
In recent decades, decentralisation have emerged globally as part of attempts to promote more equal economic growth. In Indonesia, this occurred with the shift of regional autonomy following the Asian financial crisis of 1997–98. Indonesia’s transition from a centralised to a decentralised regime reflects a rapid shift in politico-economic and social institutional arrangements.
This study aims to analyse the impact of state restructuring on disparities at the district level. The research adopts comparative political analysis by using the historical institutionalism approach to understand the variation of state restructuring impact.
Two case studies in Batam (manufacturing industry) and Bandung (creative industry) found that institutional history and path development strongly influenced the progress and discourses of development. Given that path dependence and non-traded industries are embedded within specific locations, policies should embrace local values and knowledge. Regions that exhibit strong capacity for innovative policy making, and a dynamic form of governance capable of mobilising local actors, are better able to gain from state restructuring.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Adiwan Aritenang is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). Currently he is writing a book from his PhD thesis that investigates the impact of state restructuring on Indonesia’s regional economic convergence. Prior starting his postdoc position, Adiwan completed his PhD in Regional Economics at the University College London and BSc in Urban and Regional Planning at Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia. His research interest ranges from decentralisation, ASEAN FTA, and local innovation and creativity
REGISTRATION
Admission is free. We would greatly appreciate if you RSVP Mr Jonathan Lee via email: jonathan.lee@nus.edu.sg
