Bridging the Gap Between Regulation and Implementation: The Role of Regulatory Capacity in Indonesian Public Governance

Abstract

The effectiveness of public governance is not solely determined by the existence of regulatory frameworks but by the capacity of institutions to implement policies effectively. This study analyzes the effectiveness of regulatory capacity in ensuring policy implementation and examines the urgency of strengthening such capacity in Indonesia’s public governance system. Using a normative juridical method combined with systematic and sociological approaches, the study evaluates the relationship between regulatory frameworks and their practical implementation. The findings reveal that although regulatory structures are well-established, policy implementation remains inconsistent due to limited institutional capacity, weak coordination, and administrative constraints. These conditions contribute to persistent implementation failures and reduced governance effectiveness. Furthermore, the study highlights that strengthening regulatory capacity is essential to address these challenges and improve policy outcomes. Enhancing institutional capability, coordination, and resource allocation is therefore critical for achieving effective governance. The study contributes to advancing governance reform by emphasizing the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks with institutional capacity.