PERFORMANCE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE POLICE UNIT IN JAYAWIJAYA REGENCY, INDONESIA: CONSTRAINTS AND ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES

Abstract

Maintaining public order remains a persistent challenge for local governments in Indonesia's highland regions, where limited resources and difficult terrain constrain law enforcement. This study examines the performance of the Civil Service Police Unit in Jayawijaya Regency and the strategies it adopts to cope with these constraints. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, supplemented by a literature review and documentation, and were analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Performance was assessed against five indicators: productivity, service quality, responsiveness, responsibility, and accountability. The findings indicate that the unit's performance is fairly good but not yet optimal. Responsiveness, responsibility, and accountability are relatively strong: the eradication of illegal alcohol is prioritized in response to public complaints, enforcement adheres to the Regent's regulations and standard operating procedures, and strategic decisions are coordinated with the Regent. Productivity and service quality remain weak owing to shortages of personnel, funding, and infrastructure, as well as the regency's vast and mountainous terrain. The unit compensates for these constraints through joint operations with the military, the police, and customary and community leaders. The study concludes that such inter-agency collaboration serves as an adaptive strategy, but that increased budgetary, infrastructural, and staffing support is required to improve performance.