WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SUB-NATIONAL AUTHORITIES IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT POLICY? – A MULTI-LEVEL GOVERNANCE PERSPECTIVE IN INDONESIA

This paper examines the role and engagement of sub-national authorities in BTS Teman Bus policy-making in Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Province. The national government has primarily taken the lead in the program without significant involvement from regional authorities. Using the multi-level governance (MLG) theory, this study provides a new perspective on transport governance. Despite limited resources at regional levels, the non-involvement of regional governments is questionable. This poses a question whether the BTS Teman Bus policy-making reflect the emergence and existence of MLG. To address this issue, we conducted interviews with eight key informants in BTS Teman Bus policy-making and gathered information through documentation study. The results revealed two institutional types of MLG in Yogyakarta, but this did not necessarily translate to MLG being evident in the BTS Teman Bus policy-making process. This case study in DIY Province provides insights into the BTS Teman Bus policy-making process. It has significant implications for the understanding of public transport policy-making in Indonesia, emphasizing the need for more effective decision-making and collaboration in the future.