NeoRespublica : Jurnal Ilmu Pemerintahan

Institutional Dualism in Mukim Forest Governance: A Green Politics Perspective in Peudada, Aceh

Amri Wahid Hidayat — 2026-04-01

This study examines the authority of Imum Mukim in the sustainable governance of customary forests in Peudada Subdistrict, Bireuen Regency, Aceh, from a Green Politics perspective. Although Mukim institutions are formally recognized within Aceh’s legal framework, their practical authority in forest governance remains weak and marginal. This research aims to analyze the causes of this institutional paradox and to explain why Mukim functions merely as a normative actor rather than an effective governing authority. Using qualitative library-based research supported by document analysis of legal instruments, policy documents, and relevant academic literature, this study applies Green Politics and Political Ecology frameworks to interpret the gap between formal recognition and practical authority. The findings reveal a persistent institutional dualism in Mukim governance: while Mukim holds strong normative and cultural legitimacy, it lacks regulative and enforcement power due to regulatory fragmentation, state-centric forest governance, and power asymmetries with corporate and bureaucratic actors. As a result, Mukim operates as a “phantom institution” recognized symbolically but excluded substantively from decision-making processes. This study concludes that strengthening customary forest governance requires not only legal recognition but also institutional integration, regulatory coherence, and redistribution of authority toward indigenous governance structures. These findings contribute to Green Politics debates on ecological justice and local sustainability.

Analisis Kualitas Layanan PAKSEMMOK dalam Administrasi Kependudukan Online di Kabupaten Kudus

Anastashya Azzahira — 2026-04-02

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kualitas layanan administrasi kependudukan online PAKSEMMOK di Kabupaten Kudus dengan menggunakan lima dimensi SERVQUAL, yaitu tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, dan empathy. Transformasi layanan digital merupakan bagian inetgral dari upaya peningkatan kualitas layanan publik melalui pemanfaatan teknologi informasi guna mempercepat dan mempermudah akses masyarakat terhadap dokumen kependudukan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Informan terdiri dari Kepala Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Kudus, Kepala Bidang Pendaftaran Penduduk, Kepala Bidang Pencatatan Sipil, Petugas Operator, Helpdesk, serta masyarakat pengguna layanan PAKSEMMOK. Analisis data dilakukan melalui tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara prosedural layanan PAKSEMMOK telah berjalan sesuai standar operasional dengan target penyelesaian maksimal 1 x 24 jam pada hari kerja serta didukung oleh integrasi dengan sistem nasional yang menjamin kepastian hukum dokumen. Meskipun demikian, persepsi masyarakat terhadap kualitas layanan masih dipengaruhi oleh stabilitas sistem, keterbatasan dari fitur teknis, serta variasi tingkat literasi digital di kalangan pengguna.

Securitizing Drug Tourism: Cannabis Legalization and Policy Reversal in Thailand (2019–2025)

Theresia Nelvina Putri Christanti — 2026-04-02

This article examines the emergence of drug tourism in Thailand in the context of cannabis decriminalization and its securitization as a national security issue during the period 2019–2025. After Thailand’s legalize medical cannabis in 2019 and removed cannabis from Category V narcotics list in 2022, the country became the first in Southeast Asia to adopt a relatively liberal cannabis policy. This policy shift created new economic opportunities, particularly in the tourism sectors, and encourage the growth of cannabis based tourism in major destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. However, the rapid expansion of cannabis commercialization and consumption also raised concerns regarding public health, youth exposure, and Thailand’s international tourism image. Using the securitization theory proposed by Buzan et al., this study analyzes how drug tourism and cannabis use were reframed by the government as a social security threat. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach based on policy documents, official reports, and media sources. The findings show that the Thailand government gradually securitized the phenomenon of drugs tourism by framing recreational cannabis use as a threat to social order and public health, which led to tighter regulations and discussion on reclassifying cannabis as a controlled substance. These findings highlight a policy dilemma between the economic benefits of tourism and the need to maintain social stability and public health. Theoritically, this study contributes to expanding the application of securitization theory in the study of drug policy and tourism in developing countries undergoing policy transitions.

Bridging Legal Ambiguity and Customary Legitimacy: Governance of Village Boundaries in Multicultural Rural Indonesia

Muhammadnor Fitri — 2026-04-03

This study examines the dynamics of customary and administrative village boundary management in Kambiyain and Auh Villages, Tebing Tinggi District, Balangan Regency, from a governance perspective. The research focuses on three key aspects: legal clarity in boundary determination, community participation in boundary arrangements, and coexistence through tolerance and mutual recognition between the Dayak and Banjar communities. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with customary leaders, village officials, community members, and local government actors, supported by field observations and document analysis of maps and relevant policies. Data analysis involved reduction, presentation, and interpretive conclusion. The findings show that formal legal clarity has not been achieved due to the absence of a definitive Regent Regulation. However, customary boundaries under Dayak Pitap tradition provide strong social legitimacy. Participation occurs through informal deliberation and traditional leadership, but remains weakly integrated into formal mechanisms. Social relations between communities remain stable, marked by tolerance and the absence of open conflict despite differing systems. The study concludes that social harmony and customary legitimacy sustain governance under legal gaps. Policy implications highlight the need for local governments to accelerate boundary formalization through participatory mechanisms that recognize customary boundaries and strengthen institutional integration. These findings support adaptive policies that balance administrative authority, culturalbrecognition, and long-term conflict prevention in multicultural village governance contexts today.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Local Government Roles in the Development of Sungai Batang Village Tourism, Agam Regency

Rafi Anriyan — 2026-04-03

Tourism is one of the priority sectors for development in Indonesia, as it is seen as having a multiplier effect and the potential to improve the economy, including in rural areas. In this regard, developing tourist villages is one of the strategies implemented. This research aims to determine the role of the regional government of Nagari Sungai Batang, Agam Regency, West Sumatra Province. This research is descriptive in nature with a qualitative approach. The main data come from informants consisting of government officials at the district and Nagari levels, tourism business actors, and tourists. The research results show that the district government and Nagari government have played a role in developing the Sungai Batang Tourism Village, but the role they have played is still not optimal. As facilitators, they have not been able to provide adequate infrastructure and supporting facilities to develop tourist attractions. The knowledge, skills, and interests of community members have not been adequately facilitated and mobilized, so their involvement in utilizing their potential is not yet optimal. The conclusion of the study is that the government has played a role in the development of the tourism village, but there is still a need for capacity building, strengthening the facilitator role, infrastructure development, and enhancing community involvement so that the potential of Sungai Batang Tourism Village can be maximized sustainably.

Strategi Penanganan Hambatan Mutu Ekspor Biji Kopi Ke Jepang dalam Rangka Peningkatan Daya Saing Mutu Produk

Dhanu Suharwanto — 2026-04-03

Penelitian ini menganalisis strategi kebijakan dalam menangani hambatan mutu ekspor biji kopi Indonesia ke Jepang akibat ketidaksesuaian residu pestisida terhadap batas maksimum residu (MRL). Permasalahan utama terletak pada lemahnya mitigasi risiko di sepanjang rantai pasok, mulai dari petani hingga eksportir, yang memicu penolakan ekspor dan kerugian devisa.Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kuantitatif melalui sampling komoditas di wilayah sentra produksi, dengan pengujian laboratorium berdasarkan standar Jepang dan regulasi nasional. Analisis dilakukan menggunakan pendekatan cost-benefit untuk membandingkan alternatif kebijakan.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa residu pestisida, khususnya 2,4-D, menjadi penyebab utama penolakan ekspor. Alternatif kebijakan terbaik adalah penyusunan pedoman teknis penilaian risiko karena lebih efektif, efisien, dan adaptif dibandingkan penerapan wajib SNI. Penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa pedoman teknis berbasis rantai pasok merupakan strategi kunci dalam meningkatkan daya saing dan kualitas ekspor kopi Indonesia.

Strategi Kebijakan Peningkatkan Sistem Pelaporan Kemetrologian Unit Metrologi Legal Kabupaten Kota ke Direktorat Metrologi

Syarif Adiya Budi Purboyo — 2026-04-03

Penelitian ini menganalisis rendahnya kepatuhan pelaporan tera dan tera ulang oleh Unit Metrologi Legal (UML) kabupaten/kota kepada Direktorat Metrologi. Metrologi legal berperan penting dalam menjamin keadilan perdagangan dan perlindungan konsumen, namun tingkat kepatuhan pelaporan masih rendah, hanya sekitar 40–50% pada periode 2022–2024 , yang menunjukkan kesenjangan antara regulasi dan implementasi.Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif berbasis analisis kebijakan dengan data sekunder dari sistem SIMPEL dan regulasi terkait. Analisis dilakukan melalui identifikasi faktor penyebab dan penentuan prioritas masalah menggunakan metode USG.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rendahnya kepatuhan dipengaruhi oleh lemahnya regulasi, dinamika kelembagaan, serta keterbatasan SDM dan infrastruktur digital. Akar masalah terletak pada belum terbangunnya sistem pelaporan yang terintegrasi dan berbasis insentif. Evaluasi kebijakan menunjukkan bahwa penguatan digitalisasi melalui modernisasi SIMPEL merupakan solusi paling efektif.Penelitian ini menegaskan perlunya strategi terpadu yang mencakup penguatan regulasi, digitalisasi sistem, dan peningkatan kapasitas SDM untuk meningkatkan kepatuhan pelaporan serta mendukung perlindungan konsumen secara berkelanjutan

Institutional Constraints in Local Bureaucratic Reform: Evidence from Konawe Selatan Regency

Syamsul Alam — 2026-04-03

Bureaucratic reform has become a central agenda in public administration, yet implementation outcomes remain uneven, especially in decentralized systems where local governments translate national reform mandates into practice. This article examines how institutional constraints shape bureaucratic reform implementation in Konawe Selatan Regency, Indonesia. Using a qualitative evaluative case study, the analysis draws on documentary evidence from the assessment of the 2015–2019 reform cycle and the formulation of the 2020–2024 bureaucratic reform roadmap, complemented by five semistructured interviews with anonymized key informants (I1–I5) involved in reform coordination, human resource management, performance monitoring, and policy advisory functions. Findings indicate that reform underperformance is driven less by the absence of policy than by interconnected institutional misalignment across four dimensions. Regulative constraints emerged through policy incoherence and limited operational guidance, producing interpretive variation and compliance-driven implementation. Structural constraints reflected fragmented reform machinery and discontinuous coordination, weakening sustainability across staffing changes. Capacity constraints involved limited competence in performance-based management and uneven technological readiness, contributing to the persistence of procedural routines. Political constraints were evident in weak reform ownership and limited leadership innovation, allowing reform to remain a routine administrative agenda rather than a strategic governance priority. The study contributes by reframing local bureaucratic reform failure as an institutional alignment problem rather than a managerial deficiency. Practically, it suggests that local governments should govern reform as a sequenced institutional alignment strategy—strengthening roadmap intelligibility, institutionalizing coordination, prioritizing capability-building, and sustaining political ownership to shift reform from symbolic compliance toward durable governance improvement.

Welfare Policy and Electoral Preferences: Public Perceptions of the MBG Program in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta

Ach. Fawaidi — 2026-04-07

This study examines public perceptions of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in the context of the 2029 General Election. Using a quantitative survey of 200 student respondents selected through purposive sampling, the study measures three dimensions, namely perceived benefits, targeting accuracy, and political relevance. The findings reveal substantial public scepticism toward the program. A majority of respondents question its effectiveness, 67.5% express doubt about its benefits, and 70% perceive the program as inaccurately targeted. In addition, 65% of respondents associate the program with political interests, particularly in image-building and electoral mobilisation. These results indicate that their functional performance does not solely shape perceptions of welfare policies, but is also shaped by the broader political context in which they are implemented. The study argues that implementation shortcomings, especially in targeting and distribution, contribute to the politicisation of welfare programs. By shifting the analytical focus from voting behaviour to perception as a socio-political construct, this study contributes to the development of political perception theory within welfare politics. It demonstrates that, in a developing democracy, welfare policies are interpreted as political signals rather than purely social interventions.

Diplomasi Ekonomi Indonesia untuk Keberlanjutan Hilirisasi Nikel melalui Negosiasi IEU-CEPA Pasca-Sengketa di WTO: Perspektif Resource Nationalism

Adinda Dian Salsa Sabila — 2026-04-08

Studi ini menganalisis strategi diplomasi ekonomi Indonesia dalam menanggapi gugatan Uni Eropa di WTO terkait larangan ekspor bijih nikel, dengan fokus pada dinamika Perjanjian Kemitraan Ekonomi Komprehensif (CEPA). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Indonesia berupaya mempertahankan kebijakan hilirisasi melalui diplomasi ekonomi adaptif dengan tiga pendekatan utama: menempatkan nikel sebagai bahan baku kritis, memperkuat negosiasi bilateral untuk membuka akses pasar, dan mengintegrasikan prinsip-prinsip keberlanjutan (ESG) untuk memenuhi standar lingkungan UE. Studi terdahulu belum secara spesifik mengkaji CEPA sebagai instrumen diplomasi pasca-sengketa yang mampu mempertahankan otonomi kebijakan industri sekaligus membuka akses pasar produk olahan. Penelitian ini hadir untuk mengisi celah tersebut dengan mengajukan model diplomasi ekonomi adaptif yang berakar pada teori resource nationalism dalam konteks sengketa perdagangan global. CEPA diproyeksikan menjadi alat penting dalam memperluas ekspor produk nikel olahan dan meningkatkan investasi di sektor hilir, sekaligus memperkuat posisi tawar Indonesia di pasar global.

Peran Pemerintah Kampung dalam Budidaya dan Produksi Olahan Rumput Laut Ibu-ibu PKK Kampung Arar, Kabupaten Sorong

Edy Supardi — 2026-04-22

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran pemerintah kampung dalam pengembangan budidaya dan produksi olahan rumput laut oleh ibu-ibu PKK keluarga nelayan di Kampung Arar, Kabupaten Sorong, serta mengidentifikasi faktor pendukung dan penghambat dalam proses pemberdayaan tersebut. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain fenomenologi. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam dan observasi terhadap kegiatan pemberdayaan ibu-ibu PKK. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemerintah kampung memiliki peran strategis sebagai kewirausahaan, koordinator, fasilitator, dan stimulator dalam mendorong keberlanjutan usaha budidaya dan pengolahan rumput laut. Peran ini berkontribusi dalam menciptakan sistem usaha yang terkoordinasi dan berkelanjutan. Faktor pendukung meliputi ketersediaan sarana produksi, seperti bibit, media budidaya, fasilitas pengolahan, serta pelatihan. Sementara itu, faktor penghambat mencakup keterbatasan pendanaan, rendahnya partisipasi dan kerja sama masyarakat, ketidakstabilan produksi akibat kondisi cuaca, serta keterbatasan akses pemasaran.Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya peran pemerintah kampung sebagai aktor kunci dalam pemberdayaan ekonomi masyarakat pesisir berbasis potensi lokal.

The Effectiveness of BUMKal Oerip Soemohardjo in Community Economic Empowerment

Karan Arya Kusuma — 2026-04-24

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMKal) Oerip Soemohardjo program in economically empowering the community of Sardonoharjo Village, Ngaglik District, Sleman Regency. The urgency of this research lies in the expectation that BUMKal will serve as a driving force for rural economies following the enactment of the Village Law, as well as the phenomenon of BUMKal revival after the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many failed. The method used is descriptive qualitative research employing observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, integrated with Indrajit’s (2016) effectiveness theory across three dimensions (support, capacity, value) and Bressers’ (2004) Contextual Interaction Theory. The results indicate that program effectiveness is at a moderate-to-high level. The support dimension is strong due to the existence of Village Regulations, capital allocation of IDR 250 million, and market protection. The capacity dimension is innovative, with homecare, brokerage, and tourism units, but remains weak in digitalization. The value dimension is perceived by the community through an increase in MSME turnover of up to 150%, access to affordable services, and the creation of new jobs. This study recommends enhancing business unit digitalization, expanding community participation, and strengthening human resource capacity.

Peran Sumber Daya dalam Implementasi Kebijakan Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja (K3) pada Sektor Pertambangan di Kawasan PT IMIP Kabupaten Morowali

Akhmad Fahrul Islam — 2026-04-27

Penelitian ini menganalisis peran sumber daya dalam implementasi kebijakan K3 di kawasan PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), Kabupaten Morowali, Sulawesi Tengah, dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif-interpretatif. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi langsung dan wawancara semi-terstruktur terhadap sepuluh informan yang dipilih secara purposif, meliputi perwakilan Dinas Tenaga Kerja, manajemen kawasan, petugas keselamatan, supervisor, dan operator lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa defisiensi sumber daya terjadi secara simultan pada tiga dimensi yang saling memperkuat. Pada dimensi sumber daya manusia, ketimpangan rasio pengawas terhadap jumlah pekerja yang melampaui 85.000 orang, disparitas kapasitas personel K3 antara perusahaan inti dan subkontraktor, serta dominasi tenaga kerja berlatar belakang non-teknis menciptakan kesenjangan kompetensi struktural. Pada dimensi anggaran, ketiadaan standar minimum alokasi wajib mengakibatkan investasi keselamatan yang sangat minim pada subkontraktor dengan rasio sertifikasi K3 hanya sekitar 10,7% dari total tenaga kerja. Pada dimensi fasilitas, ketimpangan distribusi sarana keselamatan, keterbatasan kapasitas medis, dan belum terintegrasinya sistem pelaporan digital menghambat operasionalisasi kebijakan.

Pemberdayaan Perempuan Nelayan Berbasis Aset Komunitas di Kelurahan Pattingalloang Kota Makassar

Saenab Saenab — 2026-04-30

Penelitian ini mengkaji pemberdayaan perempuan nelayan di Kelurahan Pattingalloang, Kecamatan Ujung Tanah, Kota Makassar, melalui perspektif Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) yang dikembangkan oleh Kretzmann dan McKnight (1993). Pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif digunakan, dengan pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi yang melibatkan lima belas informan yang dipilih secara purposif, terdiri atas perempuan nelayan, tokoh masyarakat, aparat pemerintah lokal, dan fasilitator LSM. Penelitian ini memetakan tujuh aset komunitas aset manusia, alam, fisik, sosial, ekonomi, budaya, dan spiritual serta menganalisis bagaimana aset-aset tersebut dimobilisasi untuk pemberdayaan ekonomi perempuan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perempuan nelayan di Pattingalloang memiliki aset yang signifikan namun belum dimanfaatkan secara optimal, termasuk keterampilan tradisional dalam pengolahan ikan, jaringan sosial berbasis kekerabatan yang kuat, serta kedekatan strategis dengan Pelabuhan Tradisional Paotere. Namun demikian, mobilisasi aset masih terhambat oleh keterbatasan akses terhadap modal, infrastruktur fisik yang tidak memadai, serta norma gender yang membatasi perempuan pada peran ekonomi informal.

Strategi Nation Branding Pemerintah Kenya melalui Program “Magical Kenya” dalam Pemulihan Citra Internasional Pasca Pandemi COVID-19 (2020–2025)

Safilla Aira Safitri — 2026-04-30

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bagaimana strategi pemerintah Kenya dalam membangun nation branding melalui Magical Kenya terhadap peningkatan citra internasional Kenya pada tahun 2020-2025. Selain itu, penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik pengumpulan data sekunder melalui studi literatur dan dokumen resmi. Analisis dilakukan dengan menggunakan teori Nation Branding Hexagon oleh Simon Anholt (2003) untuk mengkaji strategi pemerintah dalam enam dimensi utama dalam membentuk citra negara, yaitu: Tourism, Policy/Government, People, Culture and Heritage, Exports, Investment and Immigration. Dengan demikian, analisis menggunakan teori Nation Branding Hexagon oleh Simon Anholt menunjukkan bahwa Magical Kenya sebagai instrumen strategis dalam memperbaiki citra internasional, meningkatkan kepercayaan global, serta memperkuat daya saing pariwisata Kenya pasca pandemi.

Kebijakan Sosial Adaptif dan Ketahanan Rumah Tangga Miskin: Peran Strategis Perempuan Pencari Nafkah dalam Konteks Kerentanan Struktural

Syaifudin Suhri Kasim — 2026-04-30

Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis bagaimana perempuan pencari nafkah memanfaatkan kebijakan sosial adaptif dalam membangun ketahanan rumah tangga miskin, mengidentifikasi faktor struktural yang memengaruhi efektivitas kebijakan tersebut, serta merumuskan arah reorientasi desain kebijakan yang lebih responsif gender dan multidimensional. Studi ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain studi kasus terhadap 15 perempuan pencari nafkah penerima Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) dan Bantuan Pangan Non Tunai (BPNT). Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan dokumentasi, kemudian dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bantuan sosial berfungsi sebagai penyangga konsumsi (consumption buffer) yang memungkinkan perempuan mengelola risiko ekonomi rumah tangga dan melakukan diversifikasi pendapatan di sektor informal. Perempuan tidak sekadar menjadi penerima manfaat pasif, melainkan aktor strategis yang mengintegrasikan bantuan sosial dengan kerja informal dan jaringan sosial untuk menjaga stabilitas ekonomi keluarga. Namun, efektivitas kebijakan sosial dalam memperkuat ketahanan rumah tangga dipengaruhi oleh faktor struktural, seperti keterbatasan akses terhadap aset produktif, segmentasi pasar kerja informal, norma patriarkal, serta potensi jebakan ketergantungan program.

SMART Governance Berbasis Nilai Budaya Oriental dalam Pembukaan UUD 1945: Perspektif Manajemen Pemerintahan Indonesia

Didi Sukardi — 2026-04-30

Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis aktualisasi nilai-nilai budaya oriental dalam Pembukaan Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945 dalam perspektif manajemen pemerintahan modern. Penelitian dilatarbelakangi oleh masih adanya kesenjangan antara nilai konstitusional dan praktik tata kelola pemerintahan di Indonesia, seperti korupsi, lemahnya integritas birokrasi, dan rendahnya kualitas pelayanan publik. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain konseptual-normatif melalui studi kepustakaan terhadap literatur governance, administrasi publik, dan konstitusi. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan qualitative content analysis dan thematic analysis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai budaya oriental dalam Pembukaan UUD 1945 memiliki relevansi penting dalam membangun tata kelola pemerintahan berbasis etika, integritas, dan keadilan sosial. Penelitian ini mengembangkan konsep SMART Governance yang terdiri atas Self-Driven, Motivation, Action, Responsible Regulation, dan Team Collaboration sebagai model tata kelola pemerintahan berbasis nilai konstitusional dan budaya lokal. Model ini berkontribusi dalam mendukung reformasi birokrasi dan penguatan pelayanan publik di Indonesia.

Geopolitical Challenges and Constraints in Paradiplomacy: The Sister City Cooperation between Jember Regency and the City of Thessaloniki

Abhista Athaviannas Bachtiar — 2026-04-30

Jember Regency had the opportunity to establish a sister-city partnership with the City of Thessaloniki, Greece, encompassing potential cooperation in the blue economy, green technology, and the exchange of experience in waste management. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 generated post-pandemic impacts that resulted in the cancellation of the planned cooperation between the two parties. This study employs the concepts of paradiplomacy and geopolitical risk in city diplomacy. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive case study, aimed at explaining the challenges and obstacles in the prospective sister-city cooperation between Jember Regency and the City of Thessaloniki. Data were collected through library research and interviews with several parties directly involved in the proposed cooperation. The findings indicate that the discontinuation of the cooperation was attributable to geopolitical risk, namely the COVID-19 pandemic, which produced post-pandemic effects and led to policy changes, prompting both parties to cancel the planned partnership. This study seeks to explain the case from the perspective of geopolitical risk in city diplomacy and to contribute a renewed understanding of geopolitical risk factors within city diplomacy.