This book integrates the fundamental theories of decentralization and rural development, providing a comprehensive explanation of how they can be successfully implemented to improve the livelihoods of rural communities in Indonesia. The topics addressed in this book include participatory budgeting, social capital, community participation, local capacity development, and poverty alleviation, which are discussed in detail from the perspectives of local politics, public administration, rural economy, and community studies. The multifaceted interrelations between these disciplines are analyzed to formulate a framework identifying the opportunities and challenges involved in formulating guiding principles for the implementation of decentralization. Readers are provided with the necessary intellectual groundwork through theoretical discussions and case studies involving grassroots realities in Indonesian villages. This book is highly recommended for all readers who are seeking an in-depth understanding of modern efforts to effectively implement decentralization in developing countries to promote local democratization, community empowerment, and poverty alleviation.

Analyzes for the first time grassroots realities of Indonesian decentralization through in-depth village-level field surveys

Historical Background of Decentralization in Indonesia.- Decentralization: Potentiality and Challenge for Rural Development.- Design of Decentralization in Indonesia.- Rural Development Policy in Indonesia.- District Budgeting for Rural Development.- Participatory Budgeting: Between Procedures and Realities.- Social Capital for Decentralized Rural Development.- Rural Community Leadership in Decentralization.- Institutional Capacity of Village Government.- Community Participation in Rural Development.- Decentralization and Livelihood Problems.- Does Decentralization Matters in Rural Poverty Alleviation?.- Policy Options for Decentralization and Rural Development in Indonesia.