Strengthening Regional Regulations in Health Provision (Empirical Normative Study Following the Enactment of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health)

Abstract

Health governance constitutes a constitutional right of citizens and a mandatory governmental function related to basic public services, thereby requiring active state involvement within the framework of a welfare state. The enactment of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health marks a fundamental shift in Indonesia’s national health system by emphasizing promotive and preventive approaches as well as integrated health services, which directly affects the authority and responsibilities of local governments. This study aims to analyze the urgency of strengthening local regulations on health governance following the enactment of Law Number 17 of 2023 and to examine the conformity between legal norms and their empirical implementation at the regional level. This research employs a normative–empirical legal research method, combining a normative approach through the analysis of constitutional provisions, health laws, and local government regulations, with an empirical approach based on Focus Group Discussions and public consultations involving relevant stakeholders. The findings indicate that local health governance continues to face structural challenges, including unequal access to health services, limitations in health human resources, and suboptimal inter-sectoral coordination and accountability. Therefore, the study underscores the need for comprehensive and responsive local regulations on health governance that are aligned with Law Number 17 of 2023, in order to clarify institutional authority, strengthen promotive and preventive health strategies, ensure legal protection for both the community and health workers, and realize equitable, accessible, and sustainable health services at the local level.