Governing Cities

Mulya Amri is author of chapter 1: "Improving city government performance in the era of decentralization

The experiences of Indonesia and the Philippines"

This book presents the latest research on three issues of crucial importance to Asian cities: governance, livability, and sustainability. Together, these issues canvass the salient trends defining Asian urbanization and are explored through an eclectic compendium of studies that represent the many voices of this diverse region. Examining the processes and implications of Asian urbanization, the book interweaves practical cases with theories and empirical rigor while lending insight and complexity into the towering challenges of urban governance. The book targets a broad audience including thinkers, practitioners, and students.

Abstract of chapter 1

Decentralization leads to more efficient allocation of resources, more responsive public service, and improved economic development at the local level, proponents claim. The Philippines and Indonesia are notable for their adoption of direct democracy and extensive decentralization within a short period of time. This transformation started with the Philippines’ “people power revolution” in 1986 and Indonesia’s Reformasi in 1998. The chapter highlights the presence of two types of incentives to improve city government performance in the context of decentralization. The Philippines’ “people power revolution” toppled Ferdinand Marcos’ authoritarian regime in 1986 and brought forth a new era of democracy at both the national and the local level. Decentralization in the Philippines has been taking place since 1992 according to the provisions of Local Government Code 1991. It has taken the form of devolution, whereby local government units are given considerable autonomy to decide their development priorities and implement relevant programs.