Analysis of Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in the Implementation of Vocational Education Revitalization Policy in Sukabumi City: Governance and Program Sustainability Perspective

This research examines multi-stakeholder collaboration in the implementation of vocational education revitalization policy in Sukabumi City, Indonesia. Despite national policy directives for vocational education enhancement, effective local implementation remains challenging, particularly in mid-sized municipalities. Using a qualitative case study approach incorporating semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and non-participant observation, this study explores how collaborative governance mechanisms influence policy implementation and program sustainability in a decentralized education system. The research reveals that implementation effectiveness depends on both structural features of collaborative arrangements and relational dynamics between stakeholders. Findings indicate persistent power asymmetries within implementation networks, with municipal authorities exercising predominant influence despite their limited contextual knowledge. However, local actors demonstrate significant agency through adaptive strategies including creative resource mobilization and policy reinterpretation. The study identifies critical sustainability factors including institutionalized collaborative routines, diversified resource bases, and deliberate trust-building mechanisms. This research contributes to policy implementation theory by demonstrating how collaborative governance functions in decentralized educational contexts and offers practical insights for designing more effective multi-stakeholder arrangements. The findings suggest that reconceptualizing implementation as a dynamic collaborative process rather than a linear administrative exercise can enhance the responsiveness and sustainability of vocational education revitalization efforts in similar contexts.