Socialization of Problem-Based Research Strategy for Regional Officials: A Case Study of Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study examines the socialization of a Problem-Based Research (PBR) strategy aimed at enhancing the capacity of regional officials in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra, to utilize research in addressing local development challenges. Conducted on November 18, 2024, at the Agave Hotel in Panombeian Panei District, the socialization involved 35 representatives from various regional apparatus organizations (OPD). The program introduced the principles and applications of PBR through interactive sessions, including presentations, discussions, and group workshops focused on identifying and formulating research approaches to real-world regional issues. Results show a significant increase in participants’ understanding of PBR concepts and recognition of the approach’s relevance to local governance. Participants actively engaged in identifying priority problems such as rural education disparities, agricultural productivity, and public health service gaps. The workshop facilitated cross-sectoral dialogue, encouraging collaborative thinking and highlighting the interconnected nature of regional development challenges. Despite positive outcomes, several obstacles were noted, including limited research skills, lack of formal mechanisms for integrating research into policy, and bureaucratic resistance to change. Participants expressed the need for ongoing capacity-building, institutional support, and stronger linkages with academic institutions to sustain the adoption of PBR methods. This case study highlights the potential of targeted socialization efforts to foster a culture of evidence-based policymaking in decentralized governance contexts. It also underscores the importance of institutionalizing research capacity and creating enabling environments for problem-based inquiry within regional administrations. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers and development practitioners seeking to promote research-driven governance in similar local government settings.
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
References
Barrows, H. S. (1996). Problem-based learning in medicine and beyond: A brief overview. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 1996(68), 3–12.
Chavarro, D., Tang, P., & Rafols, I. (2013). Interdisciplinarity and research on local issues: evidence from a developing country. arXiv preprint arXiv:1304.6742.
Head, B. W. (2016). Toward More “Evidence-Informed” Policy Making?. Public Administration Review, 76(3), 472–484.
Herman et al (2025). Socialization of Research and Research Implementation Strategies to Regional Officials in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra. Jurma: Jurnal Program Mahasiswa Kreatif, 9(1), 92-96. https://doi.org/10.32832/jurma.v9i1.2687
Hutabarat, E. P., & Sinaga, D. (2022). Promoting Evidence-Based Planning through Structured Training: Lessons from Simalungun Regency. Indonesian Journal of Public Administration, 7(1), 85–102.
Maarif, M. S., Puspitawati, H., Baga, L. M., & Bastari, I. (2015). Strategi Peningkatan Kinerja Pemerintahan Daerah Melalui Penerapan Public Entrepreneurship. Bogor: IPB University
Nasution, R. Y., & Simanjuntak, T. (2023). Fostering Interdepartmental Collaboration via Problem-Based Approaches in Regional Planning Departments. Asian Journal of Governance Research, 15(3), 122–139.
Nutley, S. M., Walter, I., & Davies, H. T. O. (2007). Using Evidence: How Research Can Inform Public Services. Policy Press.
Purwanto, E. A., & Sulistiyono, T. (2021). Public Sector Capacity Building in Indonesia: Institutional Challenges and Policy Innovations. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 11(1), 115–132.
Putra, F., & Sihombing, V. (2020). Enhancing Functional Officials’ Research Skills through Problem-Based Learning in Local Administration. International Review of Administrative Sciences, 86(4), 701–718.
Rahmawati, S., & Purba, J. (2024). Evaluating One-Day Capacity-Building Programs for Government Officials: A Case of Problem-Based Methodology. Journal of Public Sector Training and Development, 9(1), 25–41.
Simanjuntak, F. I., Latifah, S., Rahmawaty, S., Ismail, M. H., Gandaseca, S., & Karuniasa, M. (2024). Application of Analytical Hierarchy Process in Strategy of Human Resource Capacity Building at The Karya Lestari Farmers Group, Sibaganding Village, Simalungun Regency. Journal of Sylva Indonesiana, 7(2), 122–128.
Siregar, A., & Lubis, M. (2021). Implementing Problem-Based Research in Local Government: A Study of Capacity-Building in North Sumatra. Journal of Regional Policy and Innovation, 12(2), 45–60
Suwondo, E. (2019). Evaluating the Role of Local Governments in Implementing Evidence-Based Policies in Post-Decentralization Indonesia. Policy and Society, 38(3), 412–431.
Wilantara, M. & Misnan, M. (2023). Green Marketing as Public Relations Communication Management of the Bali Tourism Industry. Mediastima, 29(2), 131-147. https://doi.org/10.55122/mediastima.v29i2.1010