DECENTRALISATION AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN BONE REGENCY

Abstract

Decentralisation, touted as a mechanism for enhancing governance and service delivery, has had a mixed record in alleviating poverty. This qualitative study investigates the interplay between decentralisation and poverty alleviation in Bone Regency, Indonesia. Drawing on two months of intensive fieldwork, the research employed semi-structured interviews with government officials, village leaders, beneficiaries of poverty alleviation programs, and civil society representatives. Despite these challenges, positive outcomes were observed, including improved access to basic services and increased community participation in development projects. However, the overall impact on poverty reduction remains modest, highlighting the need for strengthening local capacity, enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms, and promoting more inclusive and participatory approaches to poverty alleviation within the decentralised framework. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners seeking to harness the potential of decentralisation for achieving sustainable poverty reduction outcomes.