Bridging Policy and Practice in Local Government Asset Management: Evidence from Merauke Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Regional Asset Management (BMD) is an important part of regional governance because it is related to accountability, public services, and optimization of government resources. In Merauke Regency, despite the availability of Regional Regulation Number 11 of 2018 concerning Regional Asset Management, gaps are still found between regulatory provisions and technical implementation needs, especially in administration, reporting, reconciliation, data management, and apparatus capacity. This study aims to analyze the process of formulating BMD management policies, identifying strategic issues, and formulating policy strategies that are appropriate to the conditions of Merauke Regency. The study uses a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach with data obtained through semi-structured interviews, non-participatory observation, and documentation studies. Data were analyzed using Dunn's policy analysis framework, while SWOT was used as a supporting tool to identify internal and external factors and formulate alternative strategies. The results of the study indicate that the Weaknesses–Opportunities (WO) strategy is the most appropriate strategy because it connects internal weaknesses in the form of limited technical guidelines, apparatus capacity, data quality, and administrative consistency with opportunities in the form of national regulatory developments, regional government authority, e-BMD utilization, and institutional support. The study recommends the preparation of a Regent Regulation as an implementing instrument for Regional Regulation Number 11 of 2018, accompanied by strengthening apparatus capacity, data governance, coordination, and monitoring and evaluation of BMD management.