Abstract
Studies on the bureaucracy based on Weberian notions assume that the ideal conditions of the bureaucracy are independent of the influence of political interference and ethnic considerations. They do not adequately explain the relationship between bureaucracy and political identity. This study, based on the findings of research conducted in Sorong Selatan regency of West Papua, is part of the effort to fill the gaps in literature on the relationship between the bureaucracy and political identity.
With a focus on ethnicity as part of political identity, this study elaborates how the political identity works in two areas: bureaucratic restrucuting process and recruitment of local government officials. It argues that during the phase of bureaucratic restructuring in Indonesia, ethnic influences were evident in the arrangement of institutional structures and the appointment of bureaucratic officials. Although the design of the institution was modern, the logic of local culture in the form of primordial ties and patronage systems determined the behaviour of bureaucratic officials. Bureaucratic institutions were set up not simply to follow the regulations stipulated by central government but also to accommodate the interests of various ethnic groups in the regency.
Ethnic interests also influenced the bureaucratic recruitment process in Sorong Selatan Regency by introducing the idea that the composition of bureaucracy should reflect the diversity of race, ethnicity, or gender of the population.
With a focus on ethnicity as part of political identity, this study elaborates how the political identity works in two areas: bureaucratic restrucuting process and recruitment of local government officials. It argues that during the phase of bureaucratic restructuring in Indonesia, ethnic influences were evident in the arrangement of institutional structures and the appointment of bureaucratic officials. Although the design of the institution was modern, the logic of local culture in the form of primordial ties and patronage systems determined the behaviour of bureaucratic officials. Bureaucratic institutions were set up not simply to follow the regulations stipulated by central government but also to accommodate the interests of various ethnic groups in the regency.
Ethnic interests also influenced the bureaucratic recruitment process in Sorong Selatan Regency by introducing the idea that the composition of bureaucracy should reflect the diversity of race, ethnicity, or gender of the population.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Masters |
| Publication status | Unpublished - 2015 |