Open access Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026) · pp. 75-87

Dynamics and Challenges of Civil Society Organizations in Indonesia

Authors

  • Rachman Kosasih Bada Strategi Kebijakan Dalam Negeri Kemendagri
  • Mohammad Rizky Luthfiah Aziz Domestic Policy Strategy Agency (BSKDN), Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
  • Tomy Veryanto Bawulang Domestic Policy Strategy Agency (BSKDN), Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
Abstract

Civil society organizations (CSOs) are key actors in democratic governance and social development in Indonesia. However, the rapid growth in the number of CSOs has not been supported by effective governance, regulation, and institutional development. This study analyzes the dynamics of CSOs in Indonesia from a public policy perspective, with a focus on regulatory frameworks, institutional arrangements, public perceptions, and the implications of CSO development policies. It employs a qualitative approach based on policy review, drawing on more than 200 documents, including laws and regulations, government reports, internal documents from the Directorate General of Politics and General Government, academic publications, and survey data from research institutions. The findings show that, despite their significant contributions to social services and public participation, CSOs face persistent challenges, including overlapping institutional mandates, weak oversight mechanisms, and ambivalent public perceptions. Comparative analysis suggests that effective CSO governance requires a balance between freedom of association, transparency, and institutional accountability. This study highlights the importance of a more integrated and evidence-based reformulation of community organization development policies, and positions the Directorate General of Politics and General Government (BSKDN) as a key actor in shaping national CSO policy. It also contributes an analytical framework for CSO governance that integrates regulatory, institutional, and public perception dimensions within the broader context of state–civil society relations in Indonesia.

Keywords
  • Civil Society Organizations
  • public policy
  • governance
  • civil society
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rachman Kosasih, Mohammad Rizky Luthfiah Aziz, Tomy Veryanto Bawulang

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How to Cite

Dynamics and Challenges of Civil Society Organizations in Indonesia. (2026). Bestuurskunde: Journal of Governmental Studies, 6(1), 75-87. https://doi.org/10.53013/bestuurskunde.6.1.75-87

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