Evaluation on Implementation of Region Expansion Policy in Indonesia

Since 2001, the process of region expansion policy in Indonesia under a bottom-up scheme has developed rapidly. Only in a half decade, the number of autonomous regions in Indonesia has grown nearly two-fold. Commencing from October 1999 until January 2008, two hundred five (205) new areas have been established, consisting of 7 new provinces, 164 new regencies, and 34 new cities. Through the region expansion policy, quality of community life, both in socio-cultural, political or economic sector is expected to increase. But in reality, there are still pro`s and con`s opinions concerning with the effectiveness of the policy implementation. From the executive`s point of view, almost 80 percent of the region expansions are unsuccessful. While from the legislative`s standpoint, the new regions have been well progressing and improving the local community wellfare. So, this study aims to evaluate the performance of region expansions, in improving quality of community life by using indicators, such as improvement of quality and equity of public services, increasing the acceleration of economic development, as well as the growth of democratic life in the aforesaid regions. Results of the performance evaluation on these expanded regions will explain the extent of their expansion policies whether effectively implemented or not.