Collaborative Governance in Combating Illegal Cosmetics: A Study of Multi-Stakeholder Dynamics in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background: Distributing illegal cosmetics is a significant challenge in many countries, including Indonesia. Previous studies have shown that cosmetic products pose potential risks to health and socioeconomic, thus requiring effective collaborative governance among stakeholders. This study evaluates the implementation of collaborative governance among stakeholders in addressing illegal cosmetics in South Sulawesi, the province with the title of the largest source of illegal cosmetics in Indonesia. Methods: This qualitative study used the collaborative government regime framework, which focuses on collaborative dynamics. Semi-structured interviews with government actors involved in addressing illegal cosmetics and observations. Data analysis was assisted by the Nvivo 15 qualitative analysis tool, based on Collaborative Governance Regime (CGR) framework, focusing on collaborative dynamics. Results: This study's findings show that stakeholders are firmly committed to addressing illegal cosmetics, but several challenges exist, including stakeholders' different program priorities and capacities. We conclude that addressing illegal cosmetics requires a synergistic effort from stakeholders with a shared responsibility and a common goal to ensure that the cosmetic products in the community are safe and of high quality. This research contributes to understanding collaborative dynamics, realizing sustainable collaboration synergism and improving a practical policy framework for addressing illegal cosmetics. This study's findings show stakeholders are firmly committed to addressing illegal cosmetics. Still, several challenges exist, including stakeholders' different priorities and capacities. This results in a dominant role held by Bpom and regulatory loopholes exploited by business actors. The study also identified shortcomings in law enforcement and public awareness.