Learning the Process, Catalyzing the Impact
Participating stakeholders in a visit to Madrid and Barcelona held on November 27 – December 1, 2017
LEARNING a successful practice from another city in order to look for solutions is one of the most impactful ways to address urban challenges. Why? Because while the practice has already demonstrated its impact, the method of learning by others also provides an opportunity that, if well cultivated, can positively impact the development of cities participating. Formalizing its cooperation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Indonesia in June 2017, UCLG ASPAC furthered its commitment by assisting representatives of MoHA and local governments from Papua and West Papua in an exchange visit to learn and analyze the practice of city management in Madrid and Barcelona, relating to regulation and policy on special autonomy, as well as linking them with related stakeholders (from national, local, and private sectors) from November 27 to December 1, 2017. Holding on an underlying principle that a comprehensive understanding of city and its surrounding is required in gaining knowledge of city management, UCLG ASPAC Secretariat in close cooperation with Embassy of Indonesia in Spain, arranged a
meeting discussing firstly relationship of both country: Indonesia and Spain. From the discussion, the participating local governments became well informed on the relationship between Indonesia and Spain, that both countries had experienced positive improvement in trade area in recent years. This is also worth noting considering Spain has experienced economic slow-down in the last couple of years. In an intensive discussion with Secretaria de Estado para las Administraciones Territoriales (SEAT), delegates also gained valuable insights about system applied to local governments in Spain; about the role and authority of autonomous local government in Spain, role of central government, and division of authority between central and local governments. While in a meeting with UCLG World Secretariat in Barcelona, delegates also gained comprehensive understanding on the structure of Catalonia, the autonomous community of Spain. Discussion also cultivated information relating to delivery of public services, bureaucracy reform, and also the human development. Aiming for a fruitful learning process, UCLG ASPAC also linked the representatives with private stakeholders. This meeting stimulated debate highlighting on the supporting climate that encourages foreign investment. Facilitated by Indonesian Ambassador to Spain, Yuli Mumpuni Widarso, she pointed out the vital role of local government as the forefront of development policy to create innovations and reduce obstacles for business atmosphere. At the end of the meeting, related parties prepared the next follow up which is visiting Indonesia on the first semester of 2018. Regarding this, it was agreed that Indonesian Embassy in Madrid will coordinate with targeted local governments in Eastern Indonesia. UCLG ASPAC Secretariat hereby thanks the great support of Embassy of Indonesia in Spain, Secretaria de Estado para las Administraciones Territoriales (SEAT), and UCLG World Secretariat for success of this visit.