Strengthening Public Accountability Through Government Agency Performance Evaluation: An Empirical Study in Local Government

Abstract

This abstract formulates the research objective of examining how the evaluation of government agency performance strengthens public accountability at the local government level, with particular emphasis on the importance of transparency, consistency in reporting, and effective policy follow-up. A qualitative approach is employed because it enables an in-depth exploration of context, dynamics, and the lived experiences of public officials, which are essential for addressing the research problem and, metaphorically, for reading the “body language of bureaucracy” that cannot be captured solely through numerical indicators. A case study design is selected as it provides space for intensive exploration of real-world phenomena within organizational settings, particularly in the Governments of Garut Regency and Malang Regency, which serve as the research locations. A total of ten key informants are purposively selected based on their strategic roles in the planning, implementation, and oversight of performance evaluation, ensuring that the perspectives obtained are substantively rich. The findings indicate that indicator-based performance evaluation contributes significantly to the strengthening of public accountability, especially when public officials understand the data and translate it into operational improvements. However, resistance to change, insufficient coordination, and limitations in technological integration remain persistent challenges that, unfortunately, cannot be overcome by reformist enthusiasm alone. The study recommends strengthening evaluation instruments, enhancing the capacity of public officials, developing digital reporting systems, and improving cross-unit coordination to ensure that performance evaluation genuinely contributes to more accountable public governance.