From Ceremony to Substance: Reforming Problem Inventory List-Based Local Regulation Discussion in Indonesia

Abstract

One of the key weaknesses in the quality of regional legislation in Indonesia is the lack of an explicit requirement to use a Problem Inventory List (DIM) during the deliberation of draft regional regulations (Ranperda). This study aims to fill an academic gap by analyzing the regulation and practical use of DIM in the Rules of Procedure of provincial Regional People’s Representative Councils (DPRD), a topic that has received limited attention in Indonesian legal literature. Using a normative legal approach and a descriptive-qualitative method, the study examines 14 provincial DPRD Rules of Procedure from 2024 and includes participatory observations conducted at the Jambi Provincial DPRD. The findings reveal that most DPRDs do not regulate the use of DIM-based deliberation for Ranperda. As a result, the legislative process is often ceremonial in nature, lacks public participation, and contributes to the low quality of regional legislation. The study recommends revising Government Regulation concerning the Formation of Regional Legal Products to make the use of DIM mandatory in Ranperda deliberations at the national level.