Strengthening the Institutional Capacity and Authority of Neighborhoods, Communities, and Village Hamlets in Indonesia

This study examines the institutional strengthening and the nature of authority held by neighborhood associations (Rukun Warga), environments (Lingkungan), and hamlets (Dusun) within the Indonesian regional government system. Despite their pivotal role in community empowerment and public service, these institutions face philosophical, juridical, and sociological challenges due to their limited formal recognition in Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government. This research employs a juridical-normative method with statutory, historical, comparative, and conceptual approaches. The results indicate that the authority of these local leaders is derivative, obtained through delegation or mandate from the Lurah or Village Head, rather than through original attribution. Consequently, this study argues for the necessity of formalizing this authority through specific regional regulations (Perda) to ensure legal certainty, uphold the principles of good governance, and prevent the abuse of power. The institutional strengthening of these grassroots units is essential to bridge the gap between formal bureaucracy and community needs, thereby accelerating the realization of public welfare.