Analysis of the Political Process in Formulating Youth and Sports Development Policies in Maros Regency

Abstract

This study analyzes the political process of formulating youth and sports development policies in Maros Regency, Indonesia, emphasizing the interactions between government, legislative bodies, youth organizations, sports communities, and civil society. Employing a qualitative approach with a life story method, the research explores how problem identification, policy formulation, and decision-making are shaped by power relations, negotiations, and political pressures rather than purely technocratic or administrative procedures. The study finds that youth and sports issues often face low priority due to institutional fragmentation, limited resources, and competing regional development agendas. External actors, such as the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) and the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), play a critical role in advocating for policy attention, leveraging informal networks, public opinion, and achievements in sports competitions to influence the policy agenda. Policy formulation involves negotiation and compromise, reflecting both coalition interests and fiscal constraints, while decision-making combines formal procedures with informal political bargaining to ensure policy acceptance. Outputs include regional regulations, draft policies, training programs, and budget allocations, yet implementation remains constrained by capacity, funding, and coordination challenges. This study demonstrates that the development of youth and sports policies in Maros is a dynamic, cyclical, and politically contested process, where the interplay of actors, interests, and local political structures ultimately shapes policy priorities and outcomes.