Open access Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026) · pp. 101-114

Reassessing Government Authority to Regulate Membership-Based CSOs

Authors

  • Wiranata Nababan kementerian dalam negeri
  • Elsa Gustini Vinsensia Situmorang Institut Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri
Abstract

Civil society organizations (CSOs) serve as vital pillars of democracy by providing a platform for public participation in monitoring state power. However, the regulation of CSOs is characterized by overlapping authority between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (MoLHR). This overlap creates legal uncertainty, weak oversight, and opportunities for abuse, including acts of intimidation and violence. This study aims to reassess the allocation of authority between these two ministries concerning the regulation and disbandment of CSOs and to analyze the balance between freedom of association and the government’s interest in maintaining public order in a democratic state. The study employed a qualitative approach based on a literature review, drawing on academic literature, regulations, media reports, and other relevant secondary sources, which were analyzed and validated through content analysis and source triangulation. The findings indicate that the division of authority between MoHA and MoLHR remains ambiguous, particularly regarding the oversight and membership-based CSOs. A redistribution of authority is therefore warranted: MoHA should oversee membership-based organizations,while MoLHR should oversee non-membership organizations, particularly foundations.Furthermore, the 2017 Government Regulation in Lieu of Law on Civil Society Organizations, which eliminated the requirement for prior judicial authorization for disbandment, reflects a shift from a more conciliatory to a more repressive approach that may undermine the rule of law and democratic principles. Therefore, the disbandment of CSOs must comply with due process of law and the principle of proportionality to ensure the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.

Keywords
  • Democracy
  • freedom of association
  • public order
  • authority
  • CSO
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How to Cite

Reassessing Government Authority to Regulate Membership-Based CSOs. (2026). Bestuurskunde: Journal of Governmental Studies, 6(2), 101-114. https://doi.org/10.53013/bestuurskunde.6.2.101-114

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