Open access Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026) · pp. 129-143

Balancing Freedom and Order

Civil Society Organization Governance, Policy Communication, and the Investment Climate in Indonesia

Authors

  • Defrida Suzana Lukuaka Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia
  • Desi Natalia Sihombing Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia
Abstract

Civil Society Organization (CSO) governance in Indonesia stands at the intersection of protecting democratic freedoms and maintaining public order to foster a favorable investment climate. Although various regulations have been enacted, research on policy communication has paid insufficient attention to how government policy communication can reconcile these often conflicting imperatives. This qualitative study used policy document analysis and a critical literature review to identify communication channels and barriers affecting interactions among state authorities, civil society groups, and investors. The findings indicate that closed and inconsistent regulatory messaging may contribute to information dissonance, constraining civic space and creating legal uncertainty for business actors. Conversely, an integrated communication model may help bridge state control and public participation through bureaucratic transparency, coordinated policy implementation,  and interactive dialogue platforms. This study concludes that civil liberties and the investment climate can mutually reinforce each other when addressed through adaptive and inclusive policy communication. The findings offer theoretical contributions to public governance studies and practical recommendations for formulating balanced government communication strategies.

Keywords
  • CSO governance
  • policy communication
  • investment climate
  • civic space
Author Biographies
  • Defrida Suzana Lukuaka, Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia

    A postgraduate alumna of the Indonesian Defense University, specifically from the Faculty of National Security, and currently works as a freelance writer.

  • Desi Natalia Sihombing, Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia

    A Postgraduate alumna of the Indonesian Defense University and currently serves at the National Development Planning Agency of the Republic of Indonesia

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Copyright (c) 2026 Defrida Suzana Lukuaka, Desi Natalia Sihombing

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How to Cite

Balancing Freedom and Order: Civil Society Organization Governance, Policy Communication, and the Investment Climate in Indonesia. (2026). Bestuurskunde: Journal of Governmental Studies, 6(2), 129-143. https://doi.org/10.53013/

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