In today’s complex governance landscape, no government agency can operate in isolation. The challenges of delivering responsive and inclusive public services demand interagency collaboration—an integrated, cross-sectoral approach that not only enhances service delivery but also prevents duplication and inefficiencies. While often seen as an administrative necessity, such cooperation in Indonesia is rooted in law, forming part of the state’s legal mandate to serve the public interest.
Modern public administration in Indonesia is grounded in the principles of efficiency, fairness, and accountability. In this context, collaboration between institutions has become a strategic legal instrument to streamline overlapping mandates and improve the overall quality of public service delivery. These collaborations are not ad hoc; they are regulated and encouraged within the framework of Indonesian Administrative Law.
Legal Basis for Interagency Collaboration in Public Service
Collaboration among government institutions is legally mandated under various regulations, particularly Article 12 of Law Number 25 of 2009 on Public Services (“Public Service Law”), which outlines:
- To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery, collaboration between service providers is permitted;
- Such collaboration may include operational and/or support service activities;
- In cases where a provider lacks sufficient resources or in emergency situations, assistance may be requested from another institution with the required capacity;
- In emergencies, such requests for assistance must be fulfilled by the supporting institution, in accordance with their legal duties and organizational functions.
At the regional level, collaboration is further governed by Government Regulation Number 28 of 2018 on Regional Cooperation (“PP 28/2018”). According to Article 1(3) of this regulation, Regional Cooperation with Other Regions, or locally known as Kerja Sama Daerah Dengan Daerah Lain or KSDD, refers to joint efforts between regions to implement governmental duties under their authority, aimed at improving public welfare and accelerating service delivery.
PP 28/2018 distinguishes between two types of regional cooperation:
- Mandatory cooperation as stipulated in Article 3 paragraph 2, which is required when two or more adjacent regions manage cross-border issues or can deliver services more efficiently through joint efforts.
- Voluntary cooperation as stipulated in Article 3 paragraph 3, which is initiated by adjacent or non-adjacent regions where joint implementation is deemed more effective and efficient
Implementing Interagency Synergy Through Memorandums of Understanding
One of the most common formal mechanisms for interagency cooperation is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). MoUs provide a structured legal framework detailing the scope of cooperation, responsibilities of each party, and mechanisms for implementation. In practice, they are widely used to promote cross-sector synergy in areas such as law, governance, economic development, and social services.
A recent example is the MoU signed by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights under Minister Supratman with 29 ministries/agencies on January 24, 2025. This event highlights a strong commitment to improving legal and human rights services through coordinated action, in line with President Prabowo’s vision of comprehensive inter-ministerial synergy.
Although MoUs are not binding contracts in the sense of civil law, under administrative law, they carry normative legal weight. They serve as a legitimate basis for administrative action, joint programs, data sharing, capacity-building, and joint supervision. They must adhere to the principles of legality, transparency, and accountability.
Also read: New Regulation on Regional Accounts Receivable Write-Off
Strategic Purposes of Interagency Government Cooperation
The goals of interagency collaboration extend beyond administrative efficiency. They serve as a cornerstone for sound public governance, with key objectives including::
- Enhancing the Quality of Public Services
By pooling resources and expertise, institutions can address service gaps more effectively. For instance, the integrated licensing process under the Online Single Submission (OSS) system would be unworkable without interagency coordination. Such integration exemplifies a responsive and citizen-oriented public service model..
- Improving Government Efficiency and Effectiveness
Joint programs reduce redundancy, save budgetary resources, and accelerate results. For example, multi-sector poverty reduction programs involving ministries of social affairs, health, education, and National Family Planning Coordination Board (BKKBN) are more impactful when executed collaboratively under a unified framework.
- Strengthening Accountability and Monitoring
Cross-sector collaboration fosters greater transparency and joint monitoring. This ensures that institutions not only deliver services but are also held accountable through shared governance structures.
- Driving Innovation and Digital Government Transformation
Interagency cooperation facilitates knowledge and technology exchange, promoting innovation in service delivery. The effective implementation of Electronic-Based Government Systems (SPBE) relies on synergy among the Ministry of Communication and Information,the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), and related agencies.
- Ensuring Legal Certainty and Public Rights Protection
MoUs and formal cooperation agreements provide clarity and legal certainty for citizens accessing public services. These instruments are essential for protecting citizens from administrative malpractice and affirming their rights within the public administration system.
Interagency collaboration in Indonesia is more than a bureaucratic convenience—it is a legal imperative supported by a robust framework under Administrative Law. With clear legal mandates, structured agreements, and strategic goals, such cooperation ensures that public services are delivered more effectively, transparently, and equitably.***
Also read: Regulations on Import Duty Exemptions for Electric Vehicles
Regulations:
- Undang-Undang Nomor 25 Tahun 2009 tentang Pelayanan Publik (“UU Pelayanan Publik”).
- Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 28 Tahun 2018 tentang Kerja Sama Daerah (“PP 28/2018”).
References:
- Inilah PP Nomor 28/2018 tentang Kerja Sama Daerah. Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia. (Diakses pada 2 Mei 2025 pukul 12.58 WIB).
- Momen Menkum Supratman Teken 29 MoU dengan 29 Kementerian/Lembaga. Kompas TV. (Diakses pada 2 Mei 2025 pukul 13.07 WIB).
- Pentingnya Kerja Sama Antarlembaga Instansi Pemerintah. LPKN Training Center. (Diakses pada 2 Mei 2025 pukul 13.11 WIB).
- Sistem Pemerintahan Berbasis Elektronik (SPBE). Kementerian Pendayagunaan Aparatur Negara dan Reformasi Birokrasi. (Diakses pada 2 Mei 2025 pukul 13.18 WIB).