Strengthening local asset management through an integrated policy ecosystem: The role of mid-level bureaucratic connectivity

This article offers actionable insights for mid-level public officials, local government planners, and policy co-ordinators engaged in regional asset management. Focusing on the case of the South Konawe regency in Indonesia the authors address critical challenges such as policy gaps, institutional fragmentation, and weak co-ordination mechanisms. By highlighting the pivotal role of mid-level bureaucrats in bridging inter-agency collaboration, it provides practical strategies for improving asset governance through an integrated policy ecosystem. Practitioners in finance, planning, and administrative reform at the local and regional levels will find the study particularly relevant for improving co-ordination, accountability, and service delivery. The research supports real-world decision-making by proposing mechanisms to align institutional functions, foster cross-sector partnerships, and streamline policy implementation. Ultimately, it contributes to public sector innovation and regional development goals, while also aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including responsible resource use, institutional capacity building, and technological integration in governance.