AUTHOR(S):

Wiro Oktavius Ginting, Asela Asteria Ginting

TITLE

Political Dynamics in Regional Planning: An Evaluation of the Role of Political Leadership and Bureaucratic Capability in Long-Term Development Planning in North Sumatra, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

This study examines the dynamics of long-term development planning in North Sumatra Province, focusing on the relationship between political leadership, bureaucratic capacity, and institutional coherence within the regional government system. A descriptive qualitative approach using a case study method was used to analyze strategic documents such as the 2025-2045 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJPD), the 2024-2026 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD), the 2019-2023 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RENSTRA), and regional government strategic plans (RENSTRA). The findings indicate that the absence of a clear regional leader after the governor's term ends in 2023 has led to a Regional Development Plan (RDP) that lacks political legitimacy and strategic direction. Meanwhile, the RPJPD, which has been developed by the national RPJPN, lacks institutional mechanisms that ensure implementation and continuity throughout time. Limited technocratic and bureaucratic competence, ineffective cross-sectoral cooperation, and fragmentation of vertical and horizontal planning all contribute to the document's ineffectiveness. Planning is also not entirely data and performance-driven, with many indicators missing clear baselines or targets. This study suggests that effective planning documents require strong political leadership, a professional bureaucracy, and an integrated institutional system. Policy implications include expanding the function of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappelitbangda), restructuring planning institutions, increasing technocratic human resource capability, and institutionalizing political and public participation in strategic planning.

KEYWORDS

Development, Planning, Political Leadership, Regional, Bureaucracy, Decentralization

Cite this paper

Wiro Oktavius Ginting, Asela Asteria Ginting. (2025) Political Dynamics in Regional Planning: An Evaluation of the Role of Political Leadership and Bureaucratic Capability in Long-Term Development Planning in North Sumatra, Indonesia. International Journal of Economics and Management Systems, 10, 338-351

Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.
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