Local Political Dynamics in Stunting Policy Governance: The Role of the Family Support Team in Yoka Village, Jayapura
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46507/jclp.v5i1.816Keywords:
local political dynamics, governance, stunting, street-level bureaucracy, traditional authorityAbstract
Addressing persistent stunting in indigenous Papuan communities urgently requires understanding how grassroots governance navigates deeply entrenched local power structures. This qualitative study examines stunting policy implementation in Yoka Village, Jayapura, focusing on the Family Support Team as a frontline actor negotiating diverse authority frameworks. Utilizing village historical records and interviews with community leaders, the research reveals that state health mandates intersect directly with traditional authority, known as Keondofoloan, which has endured since 1956. Findings show that implementation suffers from inadequate village budget allocation for health, resulting in home visit coverage below 20 percent in 2025. Furthermore, traditional healing practices present significant competition to state medical narratives. This study offers novel insights into how traditional power structures actively shape public health outcomes in post-colonial indigenous settings. Ultimately, the research contributes to policy governance by demonstrating that effective stunting intervention depends on strategic alignment and bargaining among village officials, the Village Consultative Body, and traditional authority holders. Synthesizing formal regulations with indigenous value systems is essential to ensure community acceptance and sustainable delivery of nutrition services.
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