1. Decentralization
Decentralization means the central government gives some of its authority to local governments—like provinces, cities, or regencies—so they can manage their own affairs. Local governments are allowed to make decisions, manage budgets, and create local regulations. This is done to bring government closer to the people and improve public services.
Deconcentration
Deconcentration happens when the central government gives certain tasks to its own representatives in the regions, like governors or heads of departments. These people are still part of the central government structure, and they only carry out central duties in the regions. It does not give them independent authority—just responsibility to act on behalf of the central government.
Medebewind
Medebewind is when the central government asks local governments to carry out certain tasks that are part of national interests. Local governments must do these tasks, even though the programs are not originally theirs. In this case, local governments are acting as assistants to the central government.
2. Regional governments have two main roles:
Autonomous Authority (Decentralization):
They can manage public services like schools, health clinics, roads, and markets. They can also make local regulations (called "Perda") and manage local budgets.
Assistance Tasks (Medebewind):
They are required to help the central government carry out national programs, like helping with national elections or registration of citizens.
3. Deconcentration Example:
A governor helps the Ministry of Health to organize a national vaccination program in their province. The governor is acting on behalf of the central government.
Medebewind Example:
A local government helps the national statistics agency (BPS) conduct a population census. The local government doesn’t have a choice—it must help because it’s a national task.