The first year of local autonomy: The case of West Sumatra

On 1 January 2001, Undang-undang No. 22 Tahun 1999 tentang Otonomi Daerah (National Law No. 22, 1999 on Regional Autonomy) came into effect in Indonesia, devolving a wide range of decision-making functions to the regional level. Under Regional Autonomy or Otoda, as it is referred to based on its Indonesian acronym, the region is defined as the kabupaten (county level administrative unit) or the city. Otoda grants autonomy to regional governments in all areas except defence, foreign affairs, judicial processes, fiscal and monetary policy, and religious affairs as well as other strategic areas (Pemerintah RI 1999). Responsibility for all other areas of public administration and provision of services comes under the purview of the regions.