The Relationship of Authority of the Central Government and the Government of Aceh in the Perspective of Asymmetric Decentralization

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the authority relationship between the Central Government and the Aceh Government in the framework of asymmetric decentralization, the special forms of authority that Aceh has and its limitations in the Unitary State system of the Republic of Indonesia, the factors that affect regulatory disharmony, and their implications for strengthening substantive autonomy and national integration. This study uses a normative juridical method with a legislative approach and a conceptual approach. The results of the study show that the relationship of central-Aceh authority has a strong constitutional basis in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, especially Articles 18, 18A, and 18B, and is further regulated in the Aceh Government Law as a form of recognition of the specificity and privileges of Aceh. Aceh's special authority includes the implementation of Islamic law, the establishment of qanun, the existence of local political parties, the management of certain resources, and the strengthening of customary institutions. However, this authority is still limited by the principles of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and the hierarchy of laws and regulations. Regulatory disharmony is influenced by differences in the interpretation of norms, overlapping sectoral authority, national policy dynamics, and weak institutional coordination. Unharmonized power relations have the potential to hinder the effectiveness of substantive autonomy, but if managed synergistically, it can strengthen national integration through recognition of regional diversity.