Population and Civil Registration as the Spearhead of Inclusive and Effective Domestic Governance

Population and civil registration systems are increasingly recognized as foundational to effective governance. Yet, they are often examined as technical or sector-specific administrative functions rather than as core governance infrastructures. This study examines population and civil registration as pillars of inclusive and effective domestic governance in Indonesia, a decentralized, digitally transforming middle-income country. Using a qualitative documentary case study approach, the research analyses legal frameworks, policy documents, and peer-reviewed academic literature through an integrated theoretical lens combining state capacity theory, whole-of-government approaches, and digital governance theory. The findings reveal that population and civil registration enhance governance capacity by improving administrative visibility, facilitating intergovernmental coordination, and supporting the integration of digital governance. However, these benefits are conditional and influenced by institutional capacity, governance safeguards, and legitimacy, with persistent risks of exclusion and uneven implementation across regions. By conceptualizing population and civil registration as a governance capability rather than a purely administrative service, this study advances theoretical understanding of identity systems in public administration. It offers policy-relevant insights for strengthening inclusive and effective domestic governance in decentralized contexts.