The Legitimacy Responsiveness Gap: Nationalism Rhetoric and Inclusive Development Policies in Maluku
Abstract
This study examines the gap between nationalism rhetoric articulated by regional leaders and the implementation of inclusive development policies in Maluku, Indonesia. While narratives such as Pela Gandong, Siwalima, and Maluku Bersaudara are frequently invoked to promote unity, solidarity, and collective welfare, questions remain regarding their translation into substantive policy outcomes. Using a qualitative approach, this study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and document analysis of regional leaders’ speeches, development planning documents, budget reports, statistical publications, and policy evaluation reports from 2019–2024. The findings reveal that nationalism rhetoric primarily functions as a source of political legitimacy rather than as a substantive guide for policy implementation. Significant inclusiveness deficits persist in regional development, particularly in relation to spatial inequality, indigenous community recognition, gender participation, and disability inclusion. The study further identifies limited bureaucratic capacity, elite dominance, weak civil society participation, and fiscal constraints as key factors contributing to the gap between rhetoric and policy. Theoretically, this article proposes the concept of the legitimacy–responsiveness gap, which explains how political legitimacy can be sustained through symbolic narratives despite limited policy responsiveness. The concept offers a useful framework for understanding governance dynamics in decentralized, multicultural, and geographically fragmented regions.
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