Collaborative Governance in the Decentralization Process and Strengthening of Local Government Autonomy in Dili, Timor-Leste

Simeao Fatima Martins; V. Rudy Handoko; Endang Indartuti

doi:10.55927/metropolis.v1i5.575

Authors

Simeao Fatima Martins Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
V. Rudy Handoko Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
Endang Indartuti Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/metropolis.v1i5.575

Keywords:

Collaborative Governance, Decentralization, Regional Autonomy, Dili, Timor-Leste

Abstract

This study analyzes the implementation of collaborative governance in the context of administrative decentralization and strengthening local government autonomy in the Municipality of Dili, Timor-Leste. This study aims to evaluate the dynamics of collaboration between actors and identify the determinants of its success using the Ansell and Gash (2008) model. The study employed a descriptive qualitative method with data collection through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies with government officials, traditional leaders, NGOs, and academics. The results indicate that collaborative governance in Dili remains at an immature stage of collaborative rhetoric. Formal processes tend to be top-down consultative (tokenism) rather than deliberative. Key inhibiting factors include extreme power asymmetry between the central and regional governments, a less inclusive institutional design, and a hierarchical bureaucratic culture. Despite the presence of local social capital (halibur) and crisis pressures that trigger incidental coordination, the sustainability of collaboration is hampered by structures of fiscal dependency and practices of political patronage. This study concludes that institutional design reforms are needed to be more deliberative and strengthen fiscal autonomy to create substantive collaboration

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