The position of the deputy regional head within Indonesia’s regional governance system continues to present a range of challenges, particularly concerning the scope of authority. These ambiguities often result in disharmonious relationships between regional heads and their deputies. This study aims to critically analyze the legal framework governing the role of deputy regional heads in Indonesia’s regional government system. Employing a doctrinal legal research method, this study adopts a statutory and conceptual approach. The findings reveal that the regulatory framework concerning deputy regional heads has experienced fluctuations in tandem with broader changes in regional governance legislation. In practice, conflicts frequently arise between regional heads and their deputies due to the lack of clarity regarding the latter’s legal authority. This study proposes several conceptual reforms for the regulation of deputy regional heads. These include the potential abolition of the position altogether or a restructuring of the role based on the specific needs of each region. Furthermore, strengthening the legal authority of deputy regional heads is recommended as a means to ensure a more balanced and cooperative partnership with regional heads.
Najib et al. (Thu,) studied this question.