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Local Government Splits and Economic Activities : Micro-Level Evidence from Indonesia

Author

Listed:
  • Asyahid, Esa A.

    (Warwick University)

Abstract

Although local government splits have been widely implemented in developing countries, there is limited empirical evidence on their effects on economic activities. This study investigates the impacts of district splits on household business activities using a rich household-level panel dataset that spans over 20 years and covers an episode of massive district splits in Indonesia. Using a difference-in-differences approach, I found that district splits do not improve non-farm business revenue growth. Instead, they drive more businesses to exit from the industry. On the other hand, district splits improve farm business revenue growth and entry into this industry. However, the growth effect is not driven by productivity improvement as expected, but solely the result of land input expansion, which is likely acquired in unsustainable ways. Additionally, district splits decrease out-migration, aligning with the Tiebout sorting model. Taken together, these findings add another argument for the need to reevaluate the current practices and regulations on local government splits.

Suggested Citation

  • Asyahid, Esa A., 2024. "Local Government Splits and Economic Activities : Micro-Level Evidence from Indonesia," Warwick-Monash Economics Student Papers 70, Warwick Monash Economics Student Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:wrkesp:70
    as

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    File URL: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/wmesp/manage/70_-_esa_azali_asyahid.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Samuel Bazzi & Matthew Gudgeon, 2021. "The Political Boundaries of Ethnic Divisions," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 13(1), pages 235-266, January.
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    5. Fitria Fitrani & Bert Hofman & Kai Kaiser, 2005. "Unity in diversity? The creation of new local governments in a decentralising Indonesia," Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(1), pages 57-79.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    D13 ; D73 ; H77 JEL classifications: local government splitting ; Indonesia ; household business ; difference-indifference;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism

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