NALAR Ep. 02. KEBIJAKAN PUBLIK (2/2)

Summary

This video explores the critical role of evidence-based policymaking in addressing societal issues. It discusses how the gap between research and policy decisions can lead to ineffective or politically-driven outcomes. Through personal experiences in Indonesia, the UK, and the EU, the speaker highlights the importance of academic exposure for policymakers to ensure better-informed decisions. Using the example of Indonesia's Trans Jawa toll road, the video shows how policies can have unintended consequences, such as negative impacts on local economies. The key message is that policymakers must consider both intended and unintended effects for effective governance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Evidence-based policy-making is crucial for addressing societal issues and ensuring that government decisions are backed by research and data.
• 😀 The gap between research and policy-making is not unique to Indonesia; similar issues are observed in countries like the UK and the EU, where evidence does not always lead to policy changes.
• 😀 Political negotiations often influence policy decisions more than evidence, as seen in the example of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) negotiations at the UN.
• 😀 Unlike in some developed countries, Indonesian policymakers may not always be exposed to academic thinking or evidence-based discourse, affecting the quality of policy debates.
• 😀 In Indonesia, political debates are often influenced by the interests of constituents rather than by evidence or research, which leads to a lower quality of policy discussions.
• 😀 Improving the quality of public policymakers is essential for creating better public policies that address societal problems effectively.
• 😀 Public policies must have clear intentions or goals (intended outcomes), but they also often come with unintended consequences that must be anticipated and mitigated.
• 😀 An example of unintended consequences is the construction of the Trans Java toll road, which increased economic efficiency but also negatively impacted local economies along the Pantura route.
• 😀 The government has responded to unintended consequences, such as supporting local economies by introducing UMKM (micro, small, and medium enterprises) at rest areas along the Trans Java toll road.
• 😀 Evidence-based policy-making ensures that not only are the intended goals achieved, but unintended negative effects are also considered and mitigated.
• 😀 Understanding the relationship between evidence, policy, and unintended consequences is vital for citizens to be engaged and proactive in improving their governance.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the script?

The main topic of the script is the importance of evidence-based policymaking and how policies, even when backed by research, can still have unintended consequences that need to be mitigated.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between evidence and policymaking in Indonesia?

The speaker describes a 'non sequitur' or disconnected relationship between research and policymaking in Indonesia. This disconnect also exists in other countries, like the UK and the EU, but the difference is that policymakers in these countries are more exposed to academic and intellectual discourse.

What is the significance of evidence in policymaking, according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, evidence is crucial in policymaking because it helps ensure that the intended goals of a policy are met and that unintended consequences are anticipated and mitigated.

Can you give an example of unintended consequences discussed in the video?

An example of unintended consequences given in the video is the construction of the Trans-Java toll road. While the goal was to improve travel time and economic growth, it led to negative impacts on local economies, such as the loss of local business revenue in areas like Brebes and Cirebon.

What role does political discourse play in policymaking?

Political discourse plays a significant role in policymaking as policies are often shaped by political negotiations and the interests of political figures. The speaker mentions how policymaking in Indonesia can be heavily influenced by the arguments made in political debates rather than research-driven discussions.

What are 'intended outcomes' and 'unintended consequences' in policymaking?

Intended outcomes refer to the goals that policymakers hope to achieve through a policy. Unintended consequences are the unexpected effects of a policy, which can be either positive or negative and often need to be addressed to ensure the policy’s overall effectiveness.

How does the speaker contrast Indonesia's policymaking with that of other countries?

The speaker contrasts Indonesia's policymaking with that of countries like the UK and EU, where policymakers are generally more exposed to intellectual and academic discourse, leading to more informed debates and decisions, despite the political nature of policymaking in those countries as well.

What suggestion does the speaker offer to improve policymaking in Indonesia?

The speaker suggests that improving the quality of Indonesia’s policymakers is essential for better public policies. This involves exposing policymakers to academic and intellectual traditions, so their debates are more informed by research and evidence.

How does the speaker suggest mitigating unintended consequences in policymaking?

The speaker suggests that policymakers need to anticipate and address unintended consequences during the policymaking process. For example, in the case of the Trans-Java toll road, the government responded to the negative impacts on local businesses by incorporating rest areas with UMKM (local businesses) to help the local economy.

Why does the speaker emphasize the need for citizens to be engaged in understanding public policies?

The speaker emphasizes that understanding public policies is essential for citizens because policies affect everyone’s daily life. Being informed allows citizens to engage more actively in the political process and ensures that policies are crafted in a way that benefits the wider public.