Effectiveness of Regional Inflation Control Teams From an Adaptive Governance Perspective: A Comparative Analysis of Regional Inflation Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic in West Java and North Sumatra

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unexpected inflation dynamics in Indonesia, driving the need for an adaptive governance approach to inflation control, particularly through the role of the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID). This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of TPID in North Sumatra and West Java Provinces during the pandemic using an adaptive governance perspective. The method used is a qualitative approach to descriptive case studies with data collection techniques through semi-structured interviews with TPID members from various government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and BUMDs. The analysis was conducted based on six indicators, namely three elements of flexible regulation (decision-making process, policy content, and organizational structure) and three barriers to flexible regulation (distribution of authority, distribution of cost-benefit, and distrust). The results show that TPIDs in both provinces implement flexible policy processes and content, but the organizational structure tends to remain the same. Barriers such as unclear cost distribution and potential mistrust also arise, albeit with variation between regions. The conclusion of this study confirms that the principle of adaptive governance is effectively applied in the context of the pandemic, although some structural and coordinating constraints remain challenges. This study recommends strengthening cross-actor coordination and structural reforms in TPID institutions as part of the sustainability strategy to control inflation in the future.