ABSTRACT
Merit-based civil service recruitment is an important instrument for building a professional, objective, transparent, and accountable bureaucracy. However, its implementation at the local government level still faces institutional, technological, and accessibility challenges. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the merit system in the recruitment of State Civil Apparatus Candidates (CASN) in the West Kutai Regency Government based on PermenPANRB Number 6 of 2024 and identify supporting and inhibiting factors for its implementation. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach with the Van Meter and Van Horn policy implementation framework. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 17 informants consisting of committee/implementers, successful and unsuccessful participants, and supported by documentation. Data were analyzed through coding, categorization, theme development, and thematic interpretation. The results show that the merit system has been implemented through needs planning based on Job Analysis and Workload Analysis, SSCASN, CAT BKN, value transparency, and determination of graduation based on scores and rankings. Implementation is supported by clear regulations, implementer competence, budget support, inter-agency coordination, and a digital system. However, limited local CAT facilities, distance to test locations, travel costs, uneven internet access, and varying quality of information services remain obstacles. Research concludes that the success of merit-based recruitment is determined not only by procedural objectivity but also by the institution's ability to provide equitable access throughout the recruitment process.

ABSTRACT
This qualitative study examines the implementation of complaint-handling and whistleblower-protection policy at the Regional Inspectorate of West Kutai Regency, Indonesia, as mandated by Regent Regulation Number 27 of 2024. Using a descriptive qualitative design grounded in George C. Edwards III's policy implementation model, data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observation, and documentation, then analyzed through data condensation, display, and conclusion drawing and verification, with credibility strengthened by source and method triangulation. Findings show that internal communication of the regulation is well institutionalized, whereas external outreach to remote communities remains fragmented and limited. Human and budgetary resources are nominally adequate but constrained by heavy auditor workloads and the absence of an integrated digital complaint system. Implementers display strong professional integrity and neutrality, yet show weak proactive follow-up in reporting case status to complainants. The rigid, hierarchical bureaucratic structure safeguards procedural legality but slows resolution speed. Persistent geographic barriers and lingering public doubt over identity confidentiality further hinder policy effectiveness. The study recommends developing an integrated digital reporting platform, intensifying grassroots oversight literacy campaigns, and simplifying disposition procedures through binding service-level agreements to strengthen public trust and whistleblower protection.

ABSTRACT
Achieving universal health coverage through the National Health Insurance (JKN) program depends not only on expanding enrollment but also on the quality of policy implementation at the local level. The Premium Assistance Program (PBI) is designed to ensure health protection for the poor and vulnerable, yet its implementation still faces various administrative and institutional challenges. This study aims to analyze gaps in the implementation of the PBI-JKN program in Kelapa Lima Village, Merauke District, using the four dimensions of implementation proposed by Edwards III: communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach with six institutionally-based informants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation, and were subsequently analyzed through data organization, coding, the development of categories and themes, and triangulation. The results indicate that the PBI-JKN program is operational at the local level but has not yet been fully optimized. Gaps primarily arise in the speed and consistency of information, updating beneficiary data, technical capabilities, administrative completeness, limitations on authority, and interagency coordination. The disposition of implementers is relatively supportive; however, this commitment has not yet been fully able to overcome the system’s limitations. Across all dimensions, data governance and interagency coordination are critical mechanisms that influence the accuracy of targeting and the responsiveness of services. This study concludes that strengthening the implementation of PBI-JKN requires data integration, improved technical capacity, clearer communication, and more responsive interagency coordination mechanisms.

ABSTRACT
This study aims to analyze the implementation of Presidential Regulation Number 44 of 2017 through cross-agency coordination at the Yetetkun Cross-Border Post (PLBN), Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province. PLBN Yetetkun has a strategic position as a service and supervision hub for the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea cross-border, involving various agencies with different functions and authorities. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation of PLBN managers, technical agencies, local governments, and border communities. Data analysis used the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, which includes data condensation, data presentation, and drawing and verifying conclusions. The main analysis used the Edwards III policy implementation model, which includes communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. The results show that cross-agency coordination at PLBN Yetetkun has been running through operational communication, information exchange, division of tasks, and the implementation of relatively clear service procedures. Commitment of implementers and harmonious working relationships are supporting factors for implementation. However, obstacles remain, including limited personnel, unstable communication networks, limited facilities, geographical conditions, the absence of permanent police personnel, and suboptimal formal coordination. The study concluded that the effectiveness of policy implementation at the Yetetkun PLBN depends heavily on the ability to integrate communication, resources, implementer commitment, and institutional structure into ongoing operational coordination.

ABSTRACT
Road infrastructure underpins community mobility, economic activity, and public-service delivery, yet road-maintenance implementation continues to face fragmented data management, delayed condition updates, and weak support for evidence-based decision-making. This study analyzes the implementation of the SI KOI JANTAN database application (Sistem Informasi, Kondisi Jalan dan Jembatan) in improving road-maintenance data governance at the Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning of Blitar Regency, Indonesia, and its effectiveness in strengthening decision-making and reporting accountability under Regulation of the Minister of Public Works No. 13/PRT/M/2011. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews with six purposively selected informants, comprising agency leadership, technical officials, the application operator, field personnel, and a road-user community member, together with observation and documentation, and analyzed using George C. Edward III's policy implementation model, comprising communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure, complemented by New Public Management and Good Governance perspectives. The findings show that SI KOI JANTAN has meaningfully improved data-management effectiveness through systematic road-condition recording, damage identification, maintenance prioritization, work monitoring, and reporting, marking a transition from manual to data-driven governance. Internal communication and coordination functioned effectively; resources and institutional support proved generally adequate, though human-resource capacity and technology infrastructure required further strengthening; implementers demonstrated positive commitment despite initial adaptation difficulty; and bureaucratic structure supported implementation, though cross-sector integration and standard operating procedures needed continued refinement. The study concludes that SI KOI JANTAN has become an important in

ABSTRACT
This study analyzes the role of the Secretary of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in implementing Malang Mayor Regulation Number 23 of 2016 on Work Culture Guidelines. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation at the DPRD Secretariat of Malang City. The implementation was evaluated using George C. Edward III's policy implementation model. The findings demonstrate that the Secretary plays a strategic role in fostering work culture through exemplary leadership, continuous mentoring, and effective communication. The policy implementation is generally supported by clear standard operating procedures (SOPs), adequate facilities, and a positive implementer disposition. However, several inhibiting factors remain. These include unequal employee competencies, the adaptation process for staff transitioning to PPPK status, fluctuating legislative workloads, and latent role conflict stemming from the Secretary's dual accountability to both the DPRD and the Mayor. The study concludes that optimizing work culture requires continuous mentoring, strengthened human-resource capacity, and enhanced inter-divisional coordination.

ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the effectiveness of population administration services in Boven Digoel Regency based on Regent Regulation No. 59 of 2016. Utilizing a mixed-methods descriptive-evaluative approach, the research applied William N. Dunn’s six evaluation criteria through interviews, document reviews, and a survey of service users. The findings reveal an overall service index of 74.03, categorizing the implementation as effective. Specifically, the criteria of effectiveness, adequacy, responsiveness, and appropriateness were rated as effective. However, efficiency and equity were deemed less effective. While core administrative functions operate robustly, significant implementation gaps persist. These challenges include high indirect costs for citizens, repetitive visits, network disruptions, a lack of alternative procedures during system failures, and severe access inequalities for residents in remote areas. To address these spatial and operational disparities, the study recommends reactivating scheduled mobile services (jemput bola), empowering district and village governments to facilitate administration, and establishing robust contingency procedures during service disruptions.