Journal of Governance and Development (JGD)
The Journal of Governance and Development (JGD) (Formerly known as Jurnal Rekayasa) is an international, multidisciplinary journal published by the School of Government, College of Law, Government and International Studies (COLGIS), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). A manuscript submitted to the Editorial Board for consideration must be an original unpublished work, not under consideration for publication elsewhere. The JGD provides a venue for sharing and discussion of problems and issues in the developing world. It considers theoretical and empirical articles that deal with the governance and developmental issues from interrelated disciplinary viewpoints. The journal welcomes contributions from scholars from the humanities and social sciences with a research interest in the developing world. Journal of Governance and Development (JGD) is publication fully funded by Universiti Utara Malaysia.
Mapping Conflict Issues in Social Sciences: A Bibliometric Analysis
This study aims to analyze conflict issues in social sciences. The urgency is to provide new insights into conflict dynamics and to recommend further research and interventions in social contexts. This research uses qualitative bibliometric analysis, collecting data from internationally accredited articles in the Scopus database, exporting them in RIS format, and analyzing them with VOSviewer software. These findings provide in-depth insight into the relationship and impact of various themes and risk factors on conflict in the social sciences, identifying how themes such as risk, climate, vulnerability, and sustainability are interrelated. Clusters that identify operational pressures and demands help researchers focus on highly relevant areas and understand how external factors influence conflict dynamics. This analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding the interaction between economic, social, political, and environmental risks and conflict and mapping its likelihood and impact to identify the causes of conflict and broader social implications. These findings highlight the need for an in-depth exploration of market uncertainty and resource access to develop more sustainable and equitable solutions at the local and global levels.
Hak Cipta (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role of Leadership in Enhancing Climate Awareness and Building Urban Climate Resilience for Sustainable Cities
Climate change has become a critical global challenge affecting the quality of life, particularly in urban areas. Increasing air pollution, declining water quality, and the rising intensity of climate-related disasters highlight the urgent need for effective responses. In this context, leadership plays a strategic role not only in promoting climate awareness but also in strengthening urban climate resilience. This study aims to explore the role of leadership in enhancing climate awareness and building urban resilience to achieve sustainable cities. This paper employs a qualitative approach using a literature review method. Various sources, including academic journals, policy reports, and case studies, are analyzed to understand the relationship between leadership, climate awareness, and urban resilience. The study also examines examples from cities that have successfully implemented sustainability and resilience strategies under strong leadership. The findings indicate that leaders contribute significantly through the development of environmentally friendly policies, public campaigns, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives. These efforts not only increase awareness but also strengthen the adaptive capacity of communities in responding to climate risks. Leadership strategies such as promoting renewable energy, sustainable transportation, efficient waste management, and inclusive governance are essential in building resilient urban systems. However, challenges such as political constraints, limited economic resources, and varying levels of community support remain significant barriers. The study concludes that effective and visionary leadership is crucial in integrating climate awareness with adaptive strategies to enhance urban resilience. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and encouraging active community participation, cities can transition toward being not only sustainable but also resilient in the face of climate change.
Beyond Survival: Leveraging Human–AI Interaction for Transformative Resilience and Sustainability in the Malaysian Public Sector
Public sector organizations increasingly operate in environments characterized by uncertainty, technological disruption, and complex societal challenges that demand greater adaptability, innovation, and resilience. In response, governments worldwide are accelerating digital transformation initiatives, particularly through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance governance effectiveness, operational efficiency, and public service delivery. However, existing evidence suggests that technological investments alone do not guarantee sustainable organizational transformation, as many AI-enabled initiatives fail to generate expected outcomes due to socio-technical misalignment, organizational resistance, and governance challenges. Consequently, scholarly attention has shifted toward understanding how Human–AI Interaction (HAII) contributes to organizational adaptability and long-term resilience. Drawing upon Socio-Technical Systems (STS) Theory, this conceptual paper examines the relationship between Human–AI Interaction and Transformative Resilience within the Malaysian public sector. The study proposes that effective collaboration between humans and AI systems strengthens organizational adaptability by integrating technological capabilities with human judgment, learning, and decision-making processes. The paper further conceptualizes Organizational Agility as a mediating mechanism through which Human–AI Interaction contributes to Transformative Resilience, while Digital Trust is proposed as a moderating condition influencing the effectiveness of Human–AI collaboration. The study develops a moderated-mediation conceptual framework linking Human–AI Interaction, Organizational Agility, Digital Trust, and Transformative Resilience within public sector organizations. The paper contributes to Human–AI Interaction, resilience, and digital governance literature by extending existing research beyond technology adoption toward higher-order organizational outcomes associated with adaptive transformation and sustainable governance. Practically, the study provides insights for policymakers and public sector leaders seeking to design human-centered AI governance systems capable of strengthening organizational resilience, institutional sustainability, and future-ready public sector transformation in emerging digital economies such as Malaysia.
Rempang Island Conflict: Analysis of Policy Formulation as Reconstruction of the Failure of the Role of Policy Actors
The purpose of this article is to examine how the policy formulation process in a policy cycle can positively impact the quality of development in the Rempang Eco City area. This article uses a qualitative descriptive method with a literature review approach. The data analysis technique with interactive models from Miles and Huberman was chosen to collect, reduce, display, and draw conclusions about the development process of the Rempang area, to be reviewed in the context of William N. Dunn's policy formulation process. This article shows that the government's agenda-setting in the Rempang area's development process emphasizes only one aspect (investment), while the rights of the Rempang community are marginalized. In terms of forecasting, the government has a different perspective from the people of Rempang, who support investment-based economic development. Even though it is very clear, the process of relocating or relocating the Rempang community is full of conflicts. The government in the Rempang case does not ensure that the course of public discourse, through dialogical communication spaces such as deliberations, can proceed properly. The government's public policy for the Rempang Eco City development should align investment interests to strengthen the economy without compromising community values. Especially in the context of policy formulation, the government should clearly project the impact of the development of the Rempang Eco City area. The government's problem structuring has not taken into account the community's value variables. So that there are many conflicts, especially in communities that are only placed as objects, not the subject of development in policies.
Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Student Competencies and Professional Readiness in Technology- Driven Enviroments
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into higher education. However, its effectiveness in enhancing student competencies and professional readiness remains uncertain. This study examines the extent to which AI adoption contributes to the development of key competencies and professional readiness among Generation Z students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). A mixed-methods approach was employed involving 150 undergraduate students, supported by semi-structured interviews with 10 lecturers and student representatives. The study is guided by a conceptual framework linking AI adoption to critical thinking, digital literacy, ethical reasoning, and professional readiness. Findings indicate a moderate level of AI adoption, with students primarily using AI tools for productivity and assignment preparation, while engagement in creative and innovative applications remains limited. Although digital literacy shows improvement, enhancements in critical thinking and ethical awareness are less evident. Qualitative findings further reveal a tendency among students to over-reliance on generative AI outputs without critically evaluating accuracy, bias, or reliability. Lecturers also expressed concerns regarding the absence of structured AI pedagogy and clear institutional guidelines governing AI use in academic settings. In addition, only a small proportion of students demonstrated confidence in applying AI within professional contexts such as urban planning and related fields. Overall, the study concludes that AI adoption alone does not guarantee the development of meaningful competencies or professional readiness. It emphasizes the need for curriculum enhancement, clearer institutional policies, and targeted capacity-building initiatives that integrate AI literacy, ethical considerations, and discipline-specific applications to ensure responsible, critical, and effective use of AI among future graduates in complex professional environments.
Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in the Coastal Area of Special Region of Yogyakarta Toward an Intersystemic Policy for Education and Micro, Small, Medium Enterprise
This research explores how education fosters youth entrepreneurship and bolsters the coastal region to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, including Gunungkidul Regency, Bantul Regency, and Kulonprogo Regency. It employs an explanatory sequential design with qualitative description, collecting data through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The findings identify three interconnected barriers to effective vocational entrepreneurship: first, fragmented institutional collaboration among education, government, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) actors; second, curriculum-market misalignment that restricts experiential and place-based learning; and third, insufficient continuity of incubation and post-program support, which impedes the transition from entrepreneurial intent to viable enterprise. While institutional support and perceived market opportunities are strong predictors of entrepreneurial intent among students. The study concludes that, if Super’s vocational development theory is adapted to reflect the entrepreneurial ecosystem, it suggests an integrated policy to align curriculum, incubation, finance, and multi-actor governance. Policy recommendations include place-based curriculum localization, institutionalization of MSME-school relationships, diversification of financing mechanisms, and the development of regional monitoring dashboards. This research provides guidance for policymakers and educators aiming to transform vocational schools from a job-seeking pathway to a job-creating pathway in coastal local economies.
The Service of Social Welfare Information System-Next Generation (SIKS-NG) Social Welfare Integrated Data (DTKS)
This study examines the implementation of the Social Welfare Information System–Next Generation (SIKS-NG) as an electronic-based public service for managing Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) at the Bengkulu City Social Service. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the research analyzes SIKS-NG services through six key dimensions: technology focus, operators’ technical skills, operators’ personal skills, organizational commitment, system integration, and the continuity of the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE). Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis, guided by the Regulation of the Minister of Social Affairs Number 3 of 2021. The findings indicate that while SIKS-NG has enhanced data standardization, transparency, and accountability in social assistance targeting, its effectiveness is constrained by limited human resources, uneven digital competencies among operators, and inadequate technological infrastructure. These constraints affect the timeliness and accuracy of DTKS updates, which are critical for ensuring equitable social protection. The study concludes that strengthening institutional capacity, expanding operator training, improving infrastructure, and reinforcing multi-level coordination are essential to optimize SIKS-NG performance and support sustainable digital welfare governance at the local level.
Mechanisms for Strengthening Sabah-China Bilateral Relations : The Role of Paradiplomacy (2018-2020)
This study examines the strengthening of relations between Sabah and China, with a particular focus on the influence of paradiplomacy during Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's tenure from 2018 to 2020. Although international relations typically emphasise state-to-state interactions, the direct involvement of sub-state entities such as Sabah (paradiplomacy) is equally crucial in global relations. This research period is significant due to a shift in Malaysia’s foreign policy. The findings indicate that Sabah-China relations have strengthened through heightened Chinese investments, a significant influx of Chinese tourists to Sabah, and enhanced cultural and educational partnerships. In all these cases, paradiplomacy was crucial in providing Sabah with direct commercial and social links with China and so supplementing the larger national relationship. This study demonstrates how subnational actors engage on the international stage. It additionally provides valuable recommendations for national and state foreign policies.
Security Crises, Foreign Direct Investment Flows, and Foreign Exchange Markets in Africa: A Policy Paper
This policy paper examines the relationship between insecurity, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and foreign exchange market performance in selected African countries that have suffered major security crises. The Dunning’s Eclectic Paradigm provides the basis for analysis. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study explores insecurity, FDI trends, and forex market outcomes in ten countries: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, D.R. Congo, Somalia, Mozambique, and Cameroon. Findings show that insecurity significantly undermines both FDI and forex market performance. These nations, in varying degrees, have suffered capital flight, increased forex volatility, and economic fragmentation due to insecurity. A clear adverse relationship exists between FDI inflows and insecurity: relatively stable nations like Ethiopia (pre-war) and Kenya attract more investment than highly unstable ones such as South Sudan and Somalia. Armed conflicts discourage investment, ruin infrastructure, and disrupt economic activities, hindering human and capital growth. The study contributes uniquely by offering a comparative analysis of security crises, FDI inflows, and forex markets across diverse African economies, with actionable policy recommendations. It emphasizes that no development can flourish amid violent conflict. Even stable economies face perception risks from regional instability. Addressing insecurity is therefore both a national and continental priority for sustaining FDI and healthy forex markets. All-inclusive approaches, military, institutional, diplomatic, and developmental are needed to restore investor confidence and stability. Without deliberate policy action, African countries risk continued economic underperformance, currency crises, and reliance on emergency financial interventions.
Organizational Inclusiveness: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Trends and Gaps
This research aimed to present a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the scholarly landscape on organizational inclusiveness across disciplines. Thematic structures, intellectual networks, and geographic trends were mapped using VOSviewer considering 1,308 open-access articles indexed in Scopus from 1988 to 2025. The results showed that there was a sharp increase in publications after 2020 driven by technological advancements, market pressures, and a growing global commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The five main thematic clusters identified were inclusive pedagogy, social justice, organizational governance, digital transformation, and mental well-being. The analysis also reported the dominance of research from Global North and the low contribution from the South. Several research focused on the corporate and education sectors, with limited attention to non-profit, community, and value-based organizations. A future analysis agenda was proposed to address conceptual fragmentation, geographic disparities, and developing issues, including intersectionality, belonging, and institutional transformation. The results contributed to building a more inclusive and contextual understanding of organizational practices.
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Digital Transformation and Cross-Organizational Interoperability in Electronic-Based Government Systems
Digital transformation in government is reshaping the way public institutions deliver services, manage data, and interact with citizens. In Indonesia, the push toward an integrated electronic government system has been hindered by fragmented institutional behaviors and limited interoperability across ministries. This study addresses the gap by analyzing how organizational structures and interministerial dynamics affect system integration within Indonesia’s national digital governance framework. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative strategies. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis to explore institutional behaviors and coordination mechanisms. Quantitatively, interoperability maturity was measured across four dimensions: technical, semantic, organizational, and legal, using network analysis mapping to visualize interministerial relationships and data exchange structures. The study focuses on three key ministries: The Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Bureaucratic Reform, and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Findings reveal asymmetries in the maturity of interoperability among ministries. While legal and organizational dimensions show moderate alignment, semantic and technical interoperability remain underdeveloped. The Ministry of Communication and Information leads in technical and semantic areas, whereas the Ministry of Home Affairs demonstrates weaker integration. These disparities reflect autopoietic tendencies where ministries operate through self-referential logic, hindering systemic coordination. Interview data support the presence of loose coupling, symbolic compliance, and institutional path dependency that obstruct integration efforts. The research integrates systems theory and institutional theory to argue that digital transformation requires structural coupling between autonomous government systems. Without shared standards, semantic alignment, and cross-sectoral governance mechanisms, integration efforts risk being superficial. The study proposes the establishment of a National Interoperability Council to facilitate coordinated digital governance, mediate inter-agency challenges, and foster accountability. These findings offer both theoretical contributions and policy recommendations for building a more responsive and integrated digital government in Indonesia.
Green Innovation: Managing Post-Tin Mining Land (Abang Timah untuk Budisa) in Jelutung Village, Bangka Belitung
This article discusses green innovation in post-tin mining land management in Jelutung Village, Bangka Belitung. The long-standing illegal mining in this area has caused significant environmental damage, leading to numerous abandoned mining pits. The innovation "Abang Timah Untuk Budisa" was launched to revitalize these lands through rice cultivation. This program aims not only to address land degradation issues but also to enhance local food security. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method, focusing on the policy implementation process using Edward III's analysis theory. The results indicate that this innovation can meet the food needs of some residents of Jelutung Village and help fill some of the abandoned mining pits. Challenges faced during the implementation of this innovation included limited availability of fertilizers and agricultural facilities, which were addressed by utilizing manure and other management techniques. Overall, the "Abang Timah Untuk Budisa" innovation successfully transformed the former mining lands into productive areas, supported food security, and provided economic benefits to the community. This study employs a qualitative method because the problem presents a general description of the issue, along with a proposed solution. The conclusion is that the problem is about preserving the environment for future generations, so everyone must strive to maintain it. This innovation has also gained national recognition, receiving awards from Menpan RB and Mendagri as one of the top 45 innovations in Indonesia.
The Impetus of Non-State Actors on Election Management in Nigeria: Myth and Reality
Elections are the most accepted mechanisms for changing government within the most common and effective system of governance, known as democracy. Non-state actors are groups of entities that operate independently as autonomous bodies outside the government, which typically functions in democratic environments. Over time, non-state actors have expanded into different sectors of the economy where limited government intervention falls short or into areas that require accountability, transparency, the rule of law, and responsiveness to address economic, political, and social issues. The specific political issue, of which elections are a part, is the focus of this paper. Therefore, this research primarily aims to explore the influence of civil society on election management in Nigeria. The study uses a qualitative approach, collecting primary data through key informant interviews with staff from Yiaga, members of the Senate Committee on Election, members of the House of Representatives Committee on Election, INEC staff, experts, police officers, Nigeria Bar Association members, and journalists—all of whom constitute the study population. The research adopts the sampling method outlined by Hagaman and Wutich (2017), and the data analysis was conducted thematically. It was found that non-state actors have actively participated in the voting administration process in Nigeria. However, the paper recommends that professional ethics and standards of work be maintained by non-state actors working in collaboration with INEC staff, the electorate, security agencies, and other electoral stakeholders.
Exploring Challenges of the State and Federal Governments in Tackling the Insecurity Problems of Cattle Rustling and Armed Banditry in Katsina State, Nigeria
Cattle rustling and armed banditry have been a serious security concern in Katsina state since 2010. The state government has employed various policies, including collaboration with the federal government, to address the issues; however, attacks by rustlers/bandits remain unabated. This study aims to explore the challenges facing state and federal governments in addressing the security problems. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach. The primary data were gathered through a field survey. A sample size of 384 questionnaires, structured based on both open-ended and closed-ended questions, was administered as instruments for data collection in the eight local government areas that were purposely selected. Stakeholders from the state committee on cattle rustling, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, academicians, and security personnel, including the military, police, and civil defense corps, were also interviewed. The study used content and descriptive analyses methods to present the findings through graphs and percentages. The results revealed that a weak security system (22%) stemmed from inadequate funding, outdated equipment, insufficient personnel, and unpatriotic attitudes among some officers. Poor governance (44%) was manifested in inadequate policy implementation, a lack of political will, corruption, and the politicization of insecurity. And, socio-economic challenges (27%), including poverty, unemployment, mistrust, and inadequate social amenities, are the major factors undermining the state and federal governments’ efforts in tackling the insecurity problems. The study concluded that these issues have rendered their efforts ineffective and incapable of addressing the problems. Thus, it is recommended to adopt non-coercive strategies that must be all-inclusive as an alternative to resolving the insecurity challenges in Katsina State.
Party System, Internal Crisis and Governance in Nigeria
Internal party conflict is a recurring phenomenon in multiparty democracies. This phenomenon is centered on the struggle for power and control, which all party governments and non-party governments coveted. This has led to party disorganization, fractionalization, and the movement of party members to other political parties, thereby leading to the proliferation of more political parties by some party founders and chieftains in order to realize their political ambitions, despite the enormous resources and sacrifices they made on the old party platforms. The paper argues that internal conflicts have affected party organizations cum members with several consequences on democracy and delivery of democratic governance because the party governments have concentrated their attention on the crises in their political parties, as opposed to the provision of public utilities such as infrastructure, healthcare system, security, goods, and social services. The effect of internal crises made the ruling political parties, nationally and state-wise, contribute largely to poor governance in the country. The paper concludes that the internal conflicts in party system in Nigeria can be eliminated if the party organizations adhere to extant laws and believe in the sanctity of democracy that a loser in an electoral contest can actually become a winner someday as well as to concentrate on the provision of democratic dividends for the people of Nigeria.
The Politics of Fake News and Sustaining Nigeria’s Democracy: 2023 General Elections in Retrospect
Information and its authenticity are necessary for a viable political system. This is because once ‘political’ news about certain issues or situations in the polity is not trusted or deemed as false, the importance of such information may be treated by the public with nonchalance. This study examines the implications of misinformation during the just-concluded 2023 general elections in Nigeria and the extent to which it has created distrust in the minds of the masses regarding the information the government disseminated to the public. It adopts the conspiracy perspective on fake news as a theoretical guide to show the prevailing situation in the nation. Data for this paper will be retrieved from secondary sources, specifically those with relevant information on the 2023 elections. These will be explained using the discourse analysis method of data analysis. Findings from the study reveal that misinformation regarding candidates and the election umpire was peddled during the 2023 general elections. This led to low voter turnout in some parts of the country. The study suggests that the government take stringent sanctions against those involved in spreading unverified news to control the damage of such information on the polity.
Nigeria’s Political Economy in the Post-Subsidy Era: An Assessment of Structural Constraints to National Development
Since the rise of the nation-state and global trade, natural resources have significantly shaped national economies and played a key role in determining economic growth and power. In Africa, however, the presence of resources and wealth has often failed to translate into sustainable development. Nigeria, despite its vast oil reserves, remains trapped in underdevelopment due to systemic inefficiencies and over-reliance on crude oil. This study examines Nigeria’s post-subsidy political economy, with a focus on the 2023 fuel subsidy removal under the Tinubu administration. Although intended to spur growth and attract investment, the policy has coincided with rising poverty, inflation, and economic stagnation. The research explicitly examines how Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenue, corruption, and import dependence affects economic diversification, stability, and development. It also examines the relationships between unemployment, inequality, insecurity, and their combined impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic development. Drawing on resource curse and conflict theory, and employing a mixed-methods approach, the study identifies political and administrative corruption, as well as low productivity, as key structural barriers to economic transformation. It argues that political corruption erodes institutional capacity, while unproductivity stems from poor resource usage and lack of diversification. The study recommends institutional reform, particularly in fiscal oversight, to bridge the gap between policy goals and developmental outcomes in resource-rich states like Nigeria. By offering a critical reappraisal of Nigeria’s resource governance, this study contributes new insights into the persistent gap between policy intentions and developmental outcomes in resource-rich states.
Woman Mobilization in Nigerian Politics: A Historical Review
Many Nigerian women are deeply concerned about the low level of women's political mobilization in Nigeria over the decades. To address this issue, this study investigates the causes of the low level of women's political participation in Nigerian politics. This paper employed a case study design, focusing on historical antecedents and a time frame from 1999 to the present. As a form of methodology, the research uses secondary sources from the internet, government publications, newspapers, journals, and pertinent textbooks. The findings of this study are that socioeconomic variables cause low levels of women’s mobilization in political activities in Nigeria, the nation's cultural heritage, historical legacies, and instructional design considerations. The study highlights how important it is to deal with the issues that support women's subordination in Nigeria's political structure. As a result, the study concludes that all religious statutes, customs, and ordinances that hinder women's political mobilization must be changed, and that explicit implementation guidance must be provided. The need to foster greater mobilization efforts and empowerment motivated the whole essential of women's political mobilization in Nigeria due to long years of neglect.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Digital Maturity: Research Streams, Influential Works and Future Research Paths
This research aims to analyze bibliometrics regarding digital maturity. Digital maturity is the level of an organization's ability to utilize digital technology effectively to achieve its strategic goals. The method used in this research is qualitative research with a literature study approach. The data found was obtained and analyzed in as many as 579 documents. This research also uses VOSviewer to map and analyze data. The results of the analysis show that global trends show a significant increase in the number of publications from 2014 to 2023, reflecting increasing interest and focus in digital maturity research. China is the country that contributes the most research publications. Meanwhile, 2023 will be the highest publication year. Peng, G. is the most prolific author with 4 documents. Research trends show increasing focus throughout the decade. The increasing emphasis on digital maturity reflects a paradigm shift in understanding and dealing with the challenges and opportunities faced by society in this digital era.
Assessment of State Civil Servant Recruitment for Indigenous Papuans in Sorong
This research explores the evaluation of the recruitment of State Civil Apparatus for Indigenous Papuans in Sorong City and the obstacles experienced by the government in recruiting State Civil Apparatus for Indigenous Papuans. The recruitment process for civil servants and state civil servants must be adjusted to three indicators: job analysis, workload analysis, and needs analysis. The novelty of this research is unique because it involves Indigenous Papuans actively in the design and implementation of the recruitment process, giving them a greater role in decisions regarding human resources in the Sorong City government. The method used in this research uses a qualitative-descriptive approach. Data sources were taken from documentary observations and interviews. The findings of this research indicate that the recruitment of State Civil Apparatus for Indigenous Papuans in developing human resources for civil servants in Sorong City is in accordance with government policy and is regulated in Law Number 21 of 2001 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua. Therefore, with the government policy in place so far, the recruitment system for State Civil Apparatus (ASN) for Indigenous Papuans (OAP) is 80 percent and for non-Indigenous Papuans, 20 percent. Then, develop a welfare and justice monitoring mechanism that focuses on Indigenous Papuans who have been recruited to ensure that they get their rights and are treated fairly in the work environment. The obstacles experienced in the recruitment system for State Civil Apparatus (ASN) are the government's budget, human resources, and inadequate infrastructure.
Impediments to Effective Social Service Delivery in Conflict-Affected Communities: An Assessment of Training and Development Gaps Among Social Workers in Gongulong Community, Jere, Borno State, Nigeria
The paper examines the impediments associated with effective social service delivery in the Gongulong community, a conflict-affected area in Jere, Borno State, Nigeria. The paper focuses on training and development gaps among social workers in the Gongulong community. The paper adopted a survey design and collected data from 200 social workers who were randomly selected. These workers were selected from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government organizations, and independent practitioners. A structured questionnaire was utilized in the data collection, and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data identified the existing competencies, challenges, and professional development needs among social workers in the Gongulong community. Findings from the study identified significant gaps in key areas of social work practice, including counseling, ethical decision-making, case management, report writing and crisis intervention. Many of the participants reported low proficiency in these areas, which highlights a critical training and development need. Many limitations to accessing professional development and training were identified in this paper, including lack of organizational support, the existence of time constraints, and limited funding. The social workers expressed a strong interest in advanced degree opportunities, mentorship programs, and in-person workshops in terms of preferred training types. The relevance of continuous professional development and training that would enhance the skills and confidence of social workers in conflict-affected areas has been underscored by the paper. The paper's findings equally stress the institutionalization of context-specific professional development and training initiatives that may address peculiar community needs and emerging challenges in social work practice. The paper recommended targeted training and context-specific capacity building, collaborative learning and technology-enhanced training, and organizational and financial support for professional development.
Non-State Actors and Election Management Practices in Nigeria: Issues and Way Forward
Elections are a fundamental principle in any democratic setting. Notwithstanding, the electoral management process in Nigeria has been blighted with several anomalies and conspiracies. To strengthen the election management process, the roles of the non-state players seem essential in realizing these purposes. The primary objective of this study is to identify the institutional and legal framework available for non-state actor involvement in the election administration process in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic using the case study approach to probe into the operations of the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth, and Advancement (YIAGA-Africa). This study adopted the primary and secondary research methods while the research design was qualitative. Primary data were obtained directly through the interviews, while journals, articles, textbooks, periodicals, and the internet formed the secondary basis. The total population for this study was one hundred and forty-seven (147) purposively sampled respondents. The qualitative data results were presented in thematic forms. The study revealed that, indeed, there exists a legal and institutional framework for non-state actors’ involvement in the election management process in Nigeria; however, this remains deficient as a palpable imbalance pervades the legal framework. The study recommends that the National Assembly work out modalities, make new laws, and address misconceptions in the institutional and legal framework for non-state actors to give them a smoother operational environment in the election management process.
Patriotic Leadership and National Development: A Comparative Analysis of the United States and Nigeria - Insights and Lessons
Patriotic leadership is integral to a country’s development and is desirous for effective state-society interactions. Such leadership is often characterized by selflessness, legitimacy, dedication to service, and efficient administration of resources, both human and natural. This paper examines the import of patriotic leadership to national development in the America and Nigeria’s context. The paper employs a historical and descriptive investigative approach with an element of comparative design. It utilizes relevant data collected from documentary sources, which were analysed qualitatively within the framework of Lucian Pye’s modernization theory. From the analysis, it became obvious that America’s history abounds with leaders who, in their private and public lives, have worked assiduously to attain national unity, liberty, equality, and civic rights, hence facilitating national development. In contrast, Nigeria lacks patriotic leaders instilled with vision and commitment to genuine national development. Besides, patriotism and commitment to leadership are ingrained in American culture, which are conducive to national development. In contrast, Nigeria has yet to reach such heights in its political history, with leaders often prioritizing ethnic and regional interests over national interests antagonistic to national development. Consequently, the paper recommends, among others, that for Nigeria to match up with its America counterpart, its political leadership class must undergo a total attitudinal reorientation to embrace national interest and commitment to patriotism and national consciousness. The study offers valuable insights for improving political leadership in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for a nationalistic leadership approach to foster development.
Agricultural Programme and National Development in Nigeria: Assessing the Impact of the Anchor Borrowers Programme
The Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) was introduced in 2015 by the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide loans for farmers, create jobs, increase agricultural productivity, and create employment to ensure national development. The study employed ordinary least squares regression analysis to examine the program’s impact on national development. The explanatory variables considered include employment in agriculture, food export bill, and food import bill, while the dependent variable is gross domestic product (GDP). The findings revealed that the Food Import Bill, which was 0.2694 (27%) before the program, reduced to 0.0102 (1.02) after the program. Also, the country’s food export bill, which was 0.2884 (28%) before the program, was reduced to (1.7). In contrast, employment in agriculture, which was -0.0534 (-5.3) before the program, further deteriorated to -0.8200 (-82%) after the anchor borrowers’ program. This implies that the anchor borrow program failed to meet the desired expectations. Other findings of the study identified late disbursement of loans to non-farmers, disbursement of funds during off-farming seasons, ineffective loan recovery mechanisms, diversion of loans for non-agricultural purposes, insecurity challenges, and climatic conditions as some of the factors that militate against the efficacy of the program. The paper, therefore, recommends the inclusion of community leaders in identifying agricultural practitioners for loan disbursement and recovery, prompt disbursement of funds, the supply of farm equipment and seedlings rather than cash, and the inclusion of insurance coverage to mitigate the effects of other risks associated with insecurity and climatic trajectories.
Hak Cipta (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Provision of Land Use Policy for Building Houses in Rural Bangladesh
The paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of the national land use policy in Bangladesh, highlighting the gaps in implementation and the need for strategic improvements for building houses using minimum agricultural land in rural areas of Bangladesh. The main objectives of the policy evaluation research are to explore the extent of the intervention of the National Land Use Policy 2001 that has achieved the objective of minimum use of agricultural land, to determine whether the authority has made the rural people aware of building model houses, multistorey buildings, and planned residential areas in the village and finally to find out the critical factors for effective implementation of national land use policy. It has been used as a mixed evaluation research method with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected online using a semistructured questionnaire and checklist for respondent interviews. The main results of the policy evaluation revealed that the objectives of the policy are not achieved and effectively implemented for numerous reasons as such, the implementers are reluctant to implement and make aware the villagers, responsible implementing agencies are not fully well-defined, people are unaware and do not know about the policy, lack of village development planning and design, overpopulation and segregation of families, poverty, lack of monitoring by the ministry, unorganized urbanization and industrialization, local political influence, absence of land zoning and union parishad are unwilling to enforce their laws, etc. To implement the policy effectively, a joint effort of the local government bodies, local communities, and all local administration departments would be required, and each organization’s role would be well classified, and payment or loan support would be transferred to the rural people of Bangladesh.
Revamping the Conditions of Awaiting Trial Inmates in Nigeria: Experience from Kwara State Correctional Facilities
The paper aims to gauge the perceptions of awaiting trial inmates across correctional facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria. This research also intends to uncover the state or conditions of inmates awaiting trial in relation to the statutory functions of correctional services as stipulated in the Nigerian 1979, 1989, and 1999 constitutions as amended, as well as other reforms on the criminal justice act. The methodology adopted for this research purpose was the descriptive survey design method. Data collection procedures consisted of both primary and secondary materials sources. Principal information was collected by administering questionnaire forms to inmates awaiting trial, while the secondary data consisted of the internet, websites, journals published theses, etc. The study revealed that corruption, favoritism, poor hygiene, hard labor, and health issues have major challenges across correctional facilities. It was also discovered that there are no clear-cut differences in the treatment and handling of convicted criminals from inmates awaiting trial in correctional facilities. The study recommended improvement in conditions of service for correctional officers. It also advocates for the adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) within correctional facilities, and there should be segregation of convicted criminals from awaiting trial inmates, among other recommendations. This study will no doubt contribute to existing knowledge in criminal justice systems and will help countries know the antecedent effect of increased awaiting trial on correctional facilities, their staff, state security, and government expenditure and, finally, how it could be addressed.
Integrating Service Learning in Higher Education for Enhanced Environmental Consciousness in Yan, Kedah
The Service-Learning Malaysia (SULAM) initiative is a credit-bearing program that focuses on experiential learning to enable students to work with faculty to solve community problems using the knowledge and skills they gained from their academic disciplines. SULAM projects carried out for the Environmental Administration Group A course in the Development Management Program at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) during Semester A222 were conducted in collaboration with the community in the district of Kampung Singkir Darat, Yan, Kedah. The objective of these projects was to address environmental issues faced by the community. The methodology used in this project was designed based on the data obtained from SULAM activities, which explores various aspects including methods of implementation, evaluation and documentation. The findings of the projects helped to improve the knowledge and skills of the students, enabling them to become exceptional graduates and responsible citizens. However, there were challenges faced during the SULAM projects, including communication barriers and resource constraints. To overcome these challenges, the students and faculty had to come up with creative solutions, such as using technology to communicate with the community and leveraging local resources to complete the projects. Overall, the SULAM initiative serves as a great example of how experiential learning can be used to solve real-world problems and create a positive impact on society.
Protection of Sustainable Agricultural Land and Food (PLP2B) as an Indonesian Strategy for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Banyuwangi Agrarian Conflict Study, Indonesia
Agrarian conflict is inevitable, considering that Indonesia is known as an agricultural country. One of the agrarian conflicts that takes place continuously is the conflict that occurred in Banyuwangi, namely between PT. Bumi Sari with the Farmers Pillar of Pakel Village. This conflict involves the Company and civil society. The purpose of this study is to analyze the authority of the Banyuwangi local government in realizing the Protection of Agricultural Land and Food (PLP2B) in reducing agrarian conflicts as an effort to create Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Banyuwangi, Indonesia. This study actualizes the juridical normative model with the types of statute approach and conceptual approach. The study consisted of primary data and secondary data. Primary data comprises PLP2B, SPPN, PPA, and Regional Government Law, while secondary data contains various journls and books. Data analysis includes data collection, data reduction, and conclusions drawn. The data analysis of this study uses the theory of autonomy. Concluding uses an inductive pattern (generalization). The study results stated that after enacting the Job Creation Law, which imposed PSN (National Strategic Program), it could precede PLP2B in running a program. The Banyuwangi local government has the authority to ratify the PLP2B Law through the function of regional autonomy as an implication of the concept of decentralization in Indonesia’s government system. The Banyuwangi Regency government should optimize this function to create regulations or programs that have a relationship or correlation with the resolution of agrarian conflicts.
Impact of Social Policy on CPI in Malaysia Between 2005-2023
The social policy that the government in Malaysia implemented had positive influences on the local community and economy in Malaysia as well, which focused on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the idea that the trend would change if social policy were made. A study focused on the effect of social policy specified in Malaysia’s education, health, and housing areas on CPI. This study used the quantitative method based on the model of ordinary least squares (OLS), and CPI (Y) was the dependent variable, while government education spending (X1), government health spending (X2), and government housing spending (X3) were the independent variables. According to the results of this research, it seems that there was a positive impact of social policy on the CPI, but no significant social policy that the Malaysian government implemented had a determined power over the CPI. Most country research on the impact of social policy on CPI was also insignificant, based on the previous studies. These findings found that CPI was affected by other factors apart from social policy as well and need to be studied as potential factors in the future, as there was a slight significance. To emphasize this study, ARMA is the best-suggested way to analyse the trend of CPI in Malaysia.
Riding the Digital Waves: Readiness of Small Entrepreneurs in Adopting Digital Technologies
Malaysia business environment was predominantly made up of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which indicates a total of 1,151,339 SMEs that represent 97.2 percent of total business establishments. The SMEs created employment accounted for 7.25 million workforces, which indicates 48 percent of total employment in the year 2020. The unexpected outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a notable challenge for numerous SMEs, particularly in developing nations that have been slower in implementing digitalization strategies. Without exception, SMEs in Malaysia are currently facing ongoing challenges in their efforts to undertake digital transformation. Despite the considerable advantages derived from the digitised economy, small and financially constrained SMEs continued to lag due to internal resource and information deficiencies, skills gaps, and challenges related to securing financing. Hence, this study aims to investigate the digital transformation phenomenon and the challenges faced by SMEs following the COVID-19 pandemic so that the government can provide the necessary support for SMEs’ digital transformation.