Public Service Accountability and Bureaucratic Reform

Abstract

Public service accountability is a fundamental component of governance reform in Indonesia, particularly in the context of ongoing bureaucratic transformation. This study examines the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms in public service delivery and analyzes the urgency of strengthening accountability to support governance improvement. Using a normative juridical method with systematic and sociological approaches, the study evaluates the alignment between regulatory frameworks and their implementation in practice. The findings reveal that although accountability mechanisms are formally well-established, their effectiveness remains limited due to weak enforcement, fragmented oversight, and inconsistencies in institutional performance. In addition, persistent issues such as maladministration and abuse of power highlight structural weaknesses in accountability systems. These conditions underscore the urgent need to strengthen accountability through improved enforcement mechanisms, institutional capacity, and policy integration. The study contributes to the development of more transparent, accountable, and service-oriented governance practices in Indonesia.