Legal Harmonization in Regional Development Planning: A Pathway to Good Governance

Abstract

Local governments are currently grappling with the complex effects of globalization and decentralization. These dynamics have led to serious challenges, such as overlapping regulations and incompatibility between central and local policies. These issues can significantly impede the effectiveness of development initiatives. This research is focused on the crucial role of legal harmonization in addressing these challenges and enhancing coordination between government sectors and institutions. The ultimate goal is to foster an inclusive and equitable environment in regional development planning. The research methodology involves a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis, incorporating a literature review and interviews with stakeholders, including local government officials. The data collected provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of legal harmonization in the context of regional development planning. The research findings underscore the significant benefits of legal harmonization. It not only enhances inter-agency coordination but also reduces policy conflicts and increases accountability in the planning process. Moreover, legal harmonization fosters community participation in decision-making, particularly in identifying local needs and formulating policies to address them. This active involvement of the community results in the creation of policies that are more responsive to community needs. To further enhance legal harmonization in regional development planning, it is crucial to strengthen the harmonization mechanism through training for government officials, establishing guidelines for regulatory interpretation, and increasing transparency in the planning process. These steps are expected to significantly improve governance.