Anti-Corruption Regulations in the Decentralization Era: A Regional Governance Perspective

Abstract

Indonesia’s transition to a decentralized governance model, following the Reformasi period, significantly shifted political and administrative power to regional governments. While intended to improve efficiency and accountability, decentralization has also created new spaces for corruption at the local level. This paper critically analyzes the effectiveness of anti-corruption regulations in Indonesia’s decentralized era, focusing on how regional governance dynamics interact with national anti-corruption frameworks. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines legal analysis, regulatory mapping, and case studies of selected provinces and districts, the study evaluates the implementation, enforcement, and impact of anti-corruption regulations at the subnational level. The findings suggest that decentralization has led to regulatory fragmentation and uneven enforcement of anti-corruption laws across regions. Local political elites often operate with limited oversight, and anti-corruption mechanisms are frequently weakened by patronage networks, lack of institutional capacity, and resistance to external scrutiny. Although the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has attempted to extend its reach into regional jurisdictions, its efforts are often constrained by political and legal limitations. The paper highlights a mismatch between centralized policy frameworks and the realities of localized governance structures. This study contributes to the broader international debate on the risks and opportunities of decentralization in the fight against corruption. It argues that effective anti-corruption regulation in decentralized contexts requires stronger intergovernmental coordination, context-sensitive policy design, and empowered local oversight institutions. Indonesia’s experience offers valuable lessons for other countries undergoing similar governance transitions in the Global South.