Uncovering the Challenges of Sustainable Development in North Aceh: A Policy Analysis of Special Transfer Funds

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The topic is interesting, and the author has done a great job in realizing the subject. However, there are few areas on the paper that is still lagging and should be addressed properly.

Abstract

1.     The authors should motivate the choice of variables  with theory and empirical backing on the subject

2.     Keywords should be revised to match key element of title

3.     Rewrite the title to be more catchy

4.     Introduction

1.     The objective of the paper presented need more clarifications to suit reader to understand the main idea of the paper especially for the study case is needed

2.     Literature review

 The literature is well written. However, there is need for more recent studies ranging from 2018-2022 to motivate the study properly. The entire study is too scanty and the related literature is not exhausted

 

Mitigating emissions in India: accounting for the role of real income, renewable energy consumption and investment in energy. 12(1), pp. 188-192

 

Methodology

1.     This section is generally well motivated, Kindly take note of the following minor additions

2.     More benefit of the various techniques utilized should be stated

3.     The authors should avoid much mathematical expressions or take some to appendix and make the study reader friendly for other practitioner other than academic with out compromise for study intend and quality.

Discussion

1.     The discussion is well written, but the authors should like their findings to the previous studies in the literature.

2.     There is need for professional proofreading or consult English native support

 

3.     Conclusion

1.     The sub-title should be conclusion and policy recommendation but not only conclusion

2.     The policy which is the engine of the study is weak and small. I therefore encourage the authors to elaborate more on the policy recommendations to policy makers for the investigated bloc

3.     The authors should add limitation of the study and future recommendation

 

The topic is interesting, and the author has done a great job in realizing the subject. However, there are few areas on the paper that is still lagging and should be addressed properly.

Abstract

1.     The authors should motivate the choice of variables  with theory and empirical backing on the subject

2.     Keywords should be revised to match key element of title

3.     Rewrite the title to be more catchy

4.     Introduction

1.     The objective of the paper presented need more clarifications to suit reader to understand the main idea of the paper especially for the study case is needed

2.     Literature review

 The literature is well written. However, there is need for more recent studies ranging from 2018-2022 to motivate the study properly. The entire study is too scanty and the related literature is not exhausted

 

Mitigating emissions in India: accounting for the role of real income, renewable energy consumption and investment in energy. 12(1), pp. 188-192

 

Methodology

1.     This section is generally well motivated, Kindly take note of the following minor additions

2.     More benefit of the various techniques utilized should be stated

3.     The authors should avoid much mathematical expressions or take some to appendix and make the study reader friendly for other practitioner other than academic with out compromise for study intend and quality.

Discussion

1.     The discussion is well written, but the authors should like their findings to the previous studies in the literature.

2.     There is need for professional proofreading or consult English native support

 

3.     Conclusion

1.     The sub-title should be conclusion and policy recommendation but not only conclusion

2.     The policy which is the engine of the study is weak and small. I therefore encourage the authors to elaborate more on the policy recommendations to policy makers for the investigated bloc

3.     The authors should add limitation of the study and future recommendation

 

Author Response

Reviewer #1: Major Revision

Abstract

The authors should motivate the choice of variables with theory and empirical backing on the subject.

 

Based on this reviewing, We have revised our abstract by adding Policy Analysis Process theory as the main theory that we used in this research. (Abstract, fourth paragraph, page 1).

 

Keywords should be revised to match key element of title.

 

We have changed the keywords into: Special transfer fund, Sustainable development, Fiscal Decentralization, Policy analysis model, Poverty alleviation.

 

Rewrite the title to be more catchy

 

We have revised the tittle of this manuscript into “Uncovering the Challenges of Sustainable Development in North Aceh: A Policy Analysis of Special Funds”. Hopefully, It can meet your high expectation.

 

Introduction

The objective of the paper presented need more clarifications to suit reader to understand the main idea of the paper especially for the study case is needed.

 

This is a very good suggestion indeed. We have added the objective idea in Introduction (fifth paragraph):

 

“This study aims to examine the relationship between the management of the two funds at the district level and the achievement of SDG's Goal, specifically in North Aceh. North Aceh was chosen as the study site as it is an oil and gas-producing district that has received significant revenue from the two funds [22]. However, the anomaly is that North Aceh remains the poorest district in Aceh, with 109,490 poor people [23]. We analyse the management of the special autonomy fund by examining the related laws and policies, as these two elements are interrelated [24, 25]. As it is widely known, the policy for managing the Special Fund is regulated by LogA [26]. Therefore, this study seeks to establish a connection between the law, policy for managing the special funds and achieving SDG's Goal in North Aceh”.

 

Literature review

The literature is well written. However, there is need for more recent studies ranging from 2018-2022 to motivate the study properly. The entire study is too scanty and the related literature is not exhausted.

 

To improve this point we have added more literature (Studies ranging 2018-2020) to make deep analysing:

• Basically, the leading theory used in this article is policy analysis theory which examines the stages of analysis preparation as both dependent variables and policy impacts as independent variables. The average theories used are theories found by experts before 2018. However, after our review, there is a new theory that strengthens the theory, which we have added to our article, namely policy analysis by Birkland in his book An Introduction to the Policy Process: Theories, Concepts, and Models of Public Policy Making published by Routledge in 2020.
• We have also added explanations in the literature review of several previous studies on special transfer fund management to strengthen the analysis. Some studies only focus on the management of the funds. Due to the ambiguity of LoGA, the dominance of provinces, and the weakness of the ability of new political elites, the utilization of Special Autonomy funds is not optimal. This problem makes the sustainable development targets envisioned in LoGA not achieved. This policy management and SDG Goal issues are analysed more specifically in the research article created by the authors.

 

Methodology

This section is generally well motivated, Kindly take note of the following minor additions. More benefit of the various techniques utilized should be stated.

 

Good advice from the review, and we have complemented the benefits and ease of using the Qualitative Descriptive Method and NVivo 12 Plus application.

 

The authors should avoid much mathematical expressions or take some to appendix and make the study reader friendly for other practitioner other than academic without compromise for study intend and quality.

 

The use of mathematical expressions in our article is solely to calculate the values of regional independence (RI) and fiscal Space (FS) in Aceh Utara Regency. Our explanation regarding this matter is crucial to guide readers on how these values are derived. Once the values are obtained, they indicate the region's autonomy and dependence on special transfer funds, particularly the special autonomy fund. In the mathematical explanation of some of the components that make up regional independence and fiscal Space, we have revised and explained them using qualitative language to ensure that readers can better understand the content of the mathematical calculations.

 

Discussion

The discussion is well written, but the authors should like their findings to the previous studies in the literature

 

This is a very good suggestion indeed. As per your suggestion, we have compared our findings with previous studies in the policy evaluation stage. Our findings support some of the earlier research, particularly regarding managing the Special Autonomy Fund as part of the two special transfer funds for Aceh Utara. The first finding shows that the high dominance of the province has led to a minimal allocation of the Special Autonomy Fund to the districts/cities in Aceh Utara, as reported by the respondents and secondary data. This finding reinforces Ali's study, which found disputes over the authority of special autonomy fund management.

The second finding reveals that the mismanagement of the Special Autonomy Fund prioritizes monumental infrastructure development. The management regulations are based on the regional regulation made by the province (Qanun Aceh) as an elaboration of LoGA, which gives full authority to the province. There is a failure to exercise the authority to manage the Special Autonomy Fund for sustainable development. This finding reinforces the studies of Rani et al. and Jalil regarding the mismanagement and Sustikarini regarding the low ability of the new elites to determine the proper management of the Special Autonomy Fund.

However, behind the findings that reinforce previous research, our study also found that the policy of managing the special transfer funds has yet to achieve the SDG Goal, which explains why Aceh Utara remains poor until now.

 

There is need for professional proofreading or consult English native support

 

We have done the suggested proofreading and hope the reviewers will consider it.

 

Conclusion

The sub-title should be conclusion and policy recommendation but not only conclusion

 

We have made the necessary revisions by adding policy recommendations based on the reviewer's suggestions.

 

The policy which is the engine of the study is weak and small. I therefore encourage the authors to elaborate more on the policy recommendations to policy makers for the investigated bloc

 

After adding a sub-title to the conclusion, we have also included policy recommendations in the form of policy interventions based on the reviewer's suggestion. Our findings indicate areas for improvement in the provincial government's policy in managing special transfer funds (Qanun Aceh), so we need to provide recommendations in the form of revisions to LoGA as a legal basis. The first revision is revising the dominance of provincial government authority to provide a fair allocation of special autonomy funds between the province and the districts/cities. The second revision is in the form of extending the provision of special autonomy funds to optimize sustainable development in Aceh Utara.

Regarding the ASFROG management policy recommendations, the ineffective communication between the province and the districts/cities is highlighted. Therefore, intensive communication is needed between them so that changes in the rules can be well socialized.

 

The authors should add limitation of the study and future recommendation

 

We have also strengthened the analysis in conclusion by outlining the limitations of this study. The limitations of this research only include qualitative analysis with informants from government groups (executive and legislative) and academic groups. This research still requires quantitative analysis to determine the level of influence of special transfer fund management policies on achieving SDG Goals for the people of North Aceh.

Additionally, this research is limited to the special transfer fund management policy (regional regulation) as an implementing rule of LoGA. We found that LoGA needs to be more effective in regulating management due to the ambiguity it creates. Therefore, further research should focus on the effectiveness of LoGA in determining other development policies to achieve SDG Goals.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

- The problem statement not clear. the authors just presented gap between literatures, try to explain why the phenomenon are the problem that need to be researched.

- what is the issue of sustainability in this study?

Author Response

Dear Reviewers and editors

 

First of all, I would like to thank you for your time that you have given to assist us reviewing our manuscript. We have revised all the comment form the reviewers to make our article better. Hopefully, this new version will meet your high expectations.

 

Best Regards

 

Armaidy Armawi

 

Reviewer #2

The problem statement not clear. the authors just presented gap between literatures, try to explain why the phenomenon are the problem that need to be researched.

 

We want to express our gratitude for your valuable feedback. We recognize that the initial manuscript we submitted did not accurately portray the underlying phenomenon. However, we have since made improvements and hope it meets your expectations.

We have added a more consequential phenomenon to the manuscript. This phenomenon begins with the establishment of LoGA, which includes special autonomy funds as a symbol of peace in Aceh and ASFROG as the region's oil and gas producer for Aceh Utara. The funds are intended for sustainable regional development, and the policy should align with achieving SDG goals. However, the reality is the opposite, and Aceh Utara remains the poorest district in Aceh despite its abundant natural resources. This phenomenon interests us in analysing the policy of managing special transfer funds based on LoGA to achieve SDG Goals.

 

what is the issue of sustainability in this study?

 

Based on the discussed phenomenon, we have added that our research focus is on the policy of managing special transfer funds for several development financing priorities that align with SDG goals. The Additional Revenue Sharing Fund for Oil and Gas (ARSFOG) is prioritized for financing the development of the education sector (30%) and other sectors following the agreement between the Province and the District/City. The special autonomy funds are prioritized for infrastructure development, education, health, economic empowerment, poverty reduction, social affairs, and financing of Aceh's special privileges (Aceh Shariah Agency). With the elaboration of LoGA through the provincial regulation (Qanun Aceh), 50% of the special autonomy fund allocation is directed towards infrastructure development, and if elaborated on SDG achievement, our analysis of the SDG targets is as follows:

• Zero Hunger
• Health and well-being
• Inclusive quality education
• Clean water and sanitation
• Resilient infrastructure

Meanwhile, non-infrastructure is only focused on economic empowerment to achieve SDG goals related to sustainable economic growth, decent work, and workforce training for poverty alleviation.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

The paper's subject is a topic of interest for the analysed area. Anyway, if the author is willing to evaluate the management of two special funds in North Aceh, Indonesia, to promote sustainable development goals it should be better to properly mention to which one of the 17's SDS he refers to because it is not clearly specified.

The final results are not obviously analysed taking into account what the author wants to show.

The final conclusion should be a little more developed, specifying how the funds' practical results can be practically  improved. Also, it should be mentioned the practical usage of the results, to whom they are addressed and the limitations.

The bibliography does not respect the journal's requirements. It needs to be reviewed (for example: the year should not be mentioned between brackets, the article's pages are not mentioned all the time, etc).

 

 

The final conclusion should be a little more developed, specifying how the funds' practical results can be practically  improved. Also, it should be mentioned the practical usage of the results, to whom they are addressed and the limitations.

The bibliography does not respect the journal's requirements. It needs to be reviewed (for example: the year should not be mentioned between brackets, the article's pages are not mentioned all the time, etc).

 

Author Response

Dear Reviewers and editors

 

First of all, I would like to thank you for your time that you have given to assist us reviewing our manuscript. We have revised all the comment form the reviewers to make our article better. Hopefully, this new version will meet your high expectations.

 

Best Regards

 

Armaidy Armawi

 

Reviewer #3:

The paper's subject is a topic of interest for the analysed area. Anyway, if the author is willing to evaluate the management of two special funds in North Aceh, Indonesia, to promote sustainable development goals it should be better to properly mention to which one of the 17's SDS he refers to because it is not clearly specified.

 

We express our gratitude for your suggestions and input. We have added that out of the 17 SDGs, several goals become the priority for the utilization of both special transfer funds, namely:

• Infrastructure development which is prioritized (50% allocation from the special autonomy funds) in achieving the following targets: zero Hunger, health and well-being, inclusive quality education, clean water and sanitation, and resilient infrastructure.
• Non-infrastructure development is prioritized through economic empowerment and workforce development to achieve targets of sustainable economic growth, decent work, and poverty alleviation.

 

The final results are not obviously analysed taking into account what the author wants to show.

 

We have strengthened our analysis by linking the process of formulating policies for managing special transfer funds with the achievement of SDG agendas. Our analysis added to the policy analysis as an independent variable in the policy implementation and evaluation stages. The existence of special transfer funds has not been able to achieve SDG agendas following the aspirations of the Law on Governing of Aceh (LoGA), so it is reasonable that North Aceh is still in poverty and has yet to become self-sufficient in developing its region.

 

The final conclusion should be a little more developed, specifying how the funds' practical results can be practically  improved. Also, it should be mentioned the practical usage of the results, to whom they are addressed and the limitations.

 

We acknowledge that our initial manuscript submitted had some things that could have been improved, including the feedback and suggestions provided by the reviewer. However, we have now revised the conclusion section with practical policy recommendations to optimize the management of special transfer funds as stipulated in the LoGA. In addition to policy recommendations, we have also added limitations and future research directions to enhance the findings of our study.

 

The bibliography does not respect the journal's requirements. It needs to be reviewed (for example: the year should not be mentioned between brackets, the article's pages are not mentioned all the time, etc)

 

We have adjusted our bibliography according to the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute citation style requirements. We hope that the revisions we have made meet the reviewer's expectations

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

The article can be published.