kabupatenkotamengelola

Kabupatenkotamengelola is a neologism used in discussions of Indonesian local governance to describe a governance arrangement in which a city (kota) takes administrative responsibility for a surrounding regency (kabupaten), effectively making the regency a city-managed entity. The term combines kabupaten with kota mengelola, literally “city manages.”

Concept and rationale: The model envisions closer integration of urban and rural areas, with coordinated planning, service delivery, and infrastructure investments to address rapid urbanization and regional disparities. Proponents argue it can reduce fragmentation, improve efficiency, and streamline disaster response and public health networks. It is often discussed as a way to create more cohesive regional strategies beyond traditional administrative boundaries.

Governance model: Typically imagined as a supra-regional entity headed by a city government, with a unified budget, and shared agencies for education, health, transport, and other public services. A regional council would represent both urban and rural communities, and decisions would be made to align incentives across the former regency and city areas. Implementation could occur in stages, starting with pilot districts, followed by legal reforms and revenue-sharing mechanisms.

Legal and political considerations: Realizing such an arrangement would require changes in national or provincial regulations to transfer authority, clarify fiscal responsibilities, and protect rural interests. Issues include democratic legitimacy, representation, cultural identity, and the risk of urban bias or administrative complexity. Fiscal sustainability and clear accountability would also be central concerns.

Status: The concept remains largely theoretical and is discussed in urban planning and public administration literature as a potential tool for metropolitan governance. No widely recognized official adoption exists in Indonesia or elsewhere as of now.