Stakeholders Collaboration in Poverty Reduction Programs in South Sulawesi, Indonesia: a Case Study
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Stakeholders Collaboration in Poverty Reduction Programs in South Sulawesi, Indonesia: A Case Study By Slamet Budi Santoso Bachelor of Agriculture (Soil Science), Pembangunan National University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Master of Science (Political and Local Autonomy) Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia College of Arts and Education Victoria University Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy July 2018 Abstract Collaboration among stakeholders on poverty reduction programs in developing countries is part of strategic approach to combating and significantly reducing poverty numbers. The main purpose of collaboration among stakeholders or actors is to transform the power of togetherness into energising local communities to reduce poverty numbers effectively. However, the history of implementation of various poverty reduction programs shows that there has been a long succession of such programs implemented by the Indonesian government in attempts to overcome poverty problems and to achieve social justice. This history means that the Indonesian government has had many experiences attempting a pragmatic philosophy to achieve social equity, eternal peace and common welfare. This study investigates the implementation of collaboration among stakeholders as poverty reduction strategies during the decentralisation era in the Takalar and Barru districts, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. A case study approach was taken, utilising the Evolutionary Governance Theory (EGT) of Van Assche, Beunen and Duineveld (2014). This research assessed the argument that inadequate collaboration and collective decision making between stakeholders involved in the development process is a major reason why poverty reduction policy and implementation has failed at the provincial and local district levels. Data collection methods including semi-structured interviews, review of documents and field observation. The 70 (seventy) informants were selected based on their knowledge, involvement and responsibility in the various collaborative poverty reduction programs in both districts. This sample included government officials, members of donor organisations, NGOs activists, local leaders and the local communities. The elements of EGT (Assche, Beunen, & Duineveld, 2014) as a social system framework were adjusted and extended based on the findings of the study within the context of the local public policies. This adaptation is based on the consideration that “the roles of local leaders lead on collaboration between stakeholders on poverty reduction programs”. i The findings from the two Indonesian districts can be generalised to a broader population with some boundaries. However, this in-depth study of the cases contributes valuable theoretical and practical knowledge to the community. The study findings show that the local leader as a key position on the collaboration among stakeholders evolved from existing system of Social Governance throughout a process of evolutionary governance. These collaborative anti-poverty programs are demonstrated by two case studies, which involved elements of civil society such as local leaders, local community leaders, local communities, donors, and NGOs activists, whose involvement is a major factor in the sustainability of the programs. Future research requires exploration of the roles of these actors to provide a broader perspective on their roles in evolutionary governance implementation and sustainable use. ii Student Declaration I, Slamet Budi Santoso, declare that the PhD thesis entitled Stakeholders Collaboration in poverty reduction programs in South Sulawesi, Indonesia: A Case Study is no more than 100.000 words in length including quotes and exclusive of tables, figures, appendices, references and footnotes. This thesis contents no material that has been submitted previously, in whole or part, for the award of any other academic degree or diploma. Except where otherwise indicated, this thesis is my own work. This thesis was approved by Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee approval: HRE13-154. This thesis has been professionally copy edited by Dr Rachel Le Rossignol according to the Australian Standards for Editing Practice. Specifically the standards applied included D1, D3 to D5 and E1, E2 and E4. These standards relate to appropriate academic editing, including clarity of expression, spelling, punctuation and grammar, and ensuring the document meets the examining university's format, style and sequencing requirements Signature Date iii Acknowledgements I am most grateful to Allah SWT. I could never have finished this thesis without his help, blessing, and love to me. This thesis would not be completed without support from the people to whom I deliver these acknowledgements. I express my greatest gratitude to Dr. Charles MPhande for a supportive and patient supervisory process. Your critique and feedback encouraged me to progress with my research. To Associate Professor Margaret Malloch, as co-supervisor, thank you for your critical comments. I am also indebted to, Associate Professor Dr. Jim Sillitoe, Prof. Dr. Ron Adams, Dr. Amirullah, Dr. Richard Chauvel, Dr. Mark Stevenson, and Dr. Max Lane for your critical comments and sharing your valuable knowledge in relation to the concepts and theories of Governance and Community Development. I also appreciate the support and assistance from the library staff, English Learning Support (ELS), particularly from Ms Angela Rojter, Ms Fiona Henderson and administrative staff at Victoria University, particularly the staff from the Post Graduate Research Program, College of Arts and Education. I wish to acknowledge all my colleagues in the E232 postgraduate room and level two corridor of the building: Muhammad Subhan Iswahyudi, Ahyar M Dyah, Widodo Rahmadiyanto, Saefur Rochmat, Mochammad Nur and many others. Thank you all for giving me encouragement, and confidence in developing my research. I would also like to thank my interviewees from the local leaders, NGOs, donor members, the local government staff members and the local communities. You provided valuable understanding and experience for me as a researcher. To my family, you always keep my spirits up. My Wife, Winarsih, my daughter Kiki Nurfajriani and my son Muhammad Khudri Arrofi. This thesis is dedicated especially for you. I could not go through this study without your support and love. To my wonderful families, my parents and my brother and sister who live so far way, thank you for your doa-doa for me. iv Finally, my great appreciation goes to the Indonesian government particularly to Syahrul Yasin Limpo and the government of South Sulawesi Province, which provided a scholarship for me to study and learn about a different academic environment overseas. Thank you so much for all your support. v Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... i Student Declaration ..................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... iv Contents ......................................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. xi List of Figures ............................................................................................................................ xiii Alphabetical Lists of Acronyms and Abbreviations Used ...................................................... xiv Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 17 1.1. Background to the Study ..................................................................................................... 17 1.2. Poverty in a Global Context ................................................................................................ 17 1.3. Poverty in the Indonesian Context ...................................................................................... 19 1.4. The Recent History of Poverty Reduction Programs .......................................................... 24 1.5. Poverty in South Sulawesi .................................................................................................. 28 1.6. Theoretical Framework and Key Argument ....................................................................... 31 1.7. Research Aims .................................................................................................................... 32 1.8. Research Questions ............................................................................................................. 33 1.9. Research Methodology ....................................................................................................... 34 1.10. Contribution to Knowledge and Practice .......................................................................... 34 1.11. Statement of Significance ................................................................................................. 35 1.12. Structure of the Thesis ...................................................................................................... 35 Chapter 2