Integrative Governance For Extreme Poverty Alleviation: Institutional Capacity and Local Governance in Indonesia

Extreme poverty is a multidimensional challenge that cannot be solved through a sectoral approach. The SDGs agenda targets the global eradication of extreme poverty by 2030, but significant obstacles remain in cross-sectoral governance for extreme poverty alleviation. This study explores the suitability of implementing integrative governance principles in extreme poverty alleviation locally, using a case study in Jeneponto Regency, Indonesia, a national priority area for extreme poverty alleviation. A qualitative approach with a case study design was used not only to understand the complexity of the context but also to develop integrative research procedures. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 key informants, national and regional policy document analysis, and observation. Data analysis was conducted using an interactive model and verified through sources, methods, and member checking triangulation. The results show that extreme poverty alleviation practices in Jeneponto do not yet reflect integrative governance principles. The established governance network remains hierarchical, dominated by the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), with weak cross-sectoral coordination, minimal distribution of function-based authority, and symbolic community participation. The absence of a deliberative mechanism within the Regional Poverty Reduction Coordination Team (TKPKD) worsens participatory coordination and hinders the formation of facilitative leadership. These findings emphasise the importance of institutional reform in the governance of extreme poverty alleviation, through the redistribution of function-based authority, strengthening the role of the TKPKD as a deliberative arena, developing facilitative leadership, and institutionalising substantive participation of the extreme poor.