Bureaucratic Accountability In Special Autonomy Fund Management: A Case Study Of Educational Governance In Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines bureaucratic accountability in special autonomy fund management at the Education and Culture Office of Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia. The research investigates how accountability mechanisms function within a unique decentralized governance framework designed to address regional development disparities. Using a qualitative case study approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders including government officials, parliament members, auditors, and educational institution representatives, supplemented by document analysis and direct observation conducted from March to May 2025. The analysis focuses on four dimensions of bureaucratic accountability: compliance with standard operating procedures, supervision from superiors and internal auditors, sanctions for rule violations, and clarity of organizational tasks and authority. Findings reveal that while comprehensive regulatory frameworks exist for fund management, implementation shows significant variations across different aspects. Standard operating procedure compliance demonstrates solid foundations but uneven socialization across educational institutions. Supervision mechanisms exhibit strong multi-level oversight involving provincial leadership and audit agencies, yet lack meaningful beneficiary participation. Sanctioning systems present complete frameworks from administrative warnings to criminal prosecution, though practical application remains limited with no cases processed during the province's existence. Organizational structure shows clear hierarchical authority distribution but requires enhanced stakeholder engagement in planning processes. The study concludes that bureaucratic accountability mechanisms function adequately in formal compliance and hierarchical control but fall short of achieving comprehensive accountability including community participation and responsive governance. Results highlight the need for strengthening socialization programs, implementing participatory supervision approaches, clarifying sanction procedures, and enhancing feedback systems between agencies and fund recipients to improve overall accountability effectiveness.