Public Sector Leadership Reform: Lessons from Bureaucratic Innovation in Indonesia

Abstract

Public sector leadership reform is a crucial aspect in increasing the effectiveness of bureaucratic innovation in Indonesia. Amid the demands for adaptive, transparent, and participatory public services, the role of leadership is key in driving the transformation of government organizations. However, there are still limited studies that explore successful practices of innovative leadership in the context of Indonesia's local bureaucracy. This research aims to analyze public leadership reform strategies that contribute to the success of bureaucratic innovation and formulate policy lessons that can be replicated in various regions. This study uses a qualitative approach with an exploratory case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis at three study locations: Semarang City, Banyuwangi Regency, and Makassar City. The data analysis technique employs a thematic approach, utilizing open coding and source triangulation. The results show that transformational leadership styles, as well as participatory and technocratic efficiency, have a significant impact on the success of bureaucratic innovation. Strategies such as multi-stakeholder engagement, innovation team formation, and public technology integration are the main driving factors. Challenges such as organizational cultural resistance and low capacity of civil servants have also been identified as obstacles to sustainable leadership reform.