Sustainable Governance and Institutional Reform of Waste Management in Semarang City

Abstract This study investigates the dynamics of institutional governance and actor interaction in municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Semarang City, Indonesia. Despite normative frameworks aimed at sustainable waste reduction, such as the implementation of the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principle and collaborative regulations, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains constrained by structural and actor-related challenges. Using a qualitative, post-positivist approach grounded in institutional theory and governance frameworks, this research draws from secondary data including policy documents, journal articles, and prior evaluations. Findings reveal a disconnect between policy design and Jield implementation. Actor dynamics, spanning government, community-based organizations (CBOs), and the private sector are marked by fragmented coordination, capacity limitations, and asymmetrical power relations. While the local Environmental Service (DLH) provides regulatory and infrastructural leadership, CBOs suffer from inadequate training and Jinancial insecurity, and private actors face regulatory ambiguity and minimal investment incentives. These conditions hinder collaborative governance and reduce public participation. Institutionally, Semarang exhibits coercive, normative, and mimetic isomorphism, yet lacks reJlexive adaptability. Comparative insights from Jakarta and Banyumas highlight that effective waste governance requires institutional Jlexibility, multi-stakeholder platforms, and strong community integration. This study concludes that institutional reform must move beyond technocratic adjustments and instead foster inclusive, adaptive governance that integrates actor agency with sustainable institutional frameworks. These insights contribute to broader discussions on urban governance in the Global South and offer actionable policy recommendations to enhance waste management governance in Semarang and similar urban contexts.