Policy to Localize SDGs as Cultural Agent in Central Java

Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Diponegoro, Kampus Undip Tembalang, Semarang – 50275, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

Abstract

This article is derived from research of policy to localize the SDGs as a cultural agent in Central Java. This study aims to reveal how the policies formulated by the actors (state and non-state actors) that act as agents in a way of thinking in region development with the SDGs perspective. This study works with Shore and Wright's (1993) anthropological theory of policy which examines policy as a cultural agent. This study was carried out using ethnographic methods. Data collection was carried out through interviews with 30 informants for 2 months from March 1 to April 30, 2021 at the the Office of Regional Planning and Development Agency (RPDA) of Central Java. The study found that the policy of localizing the SDGs that was realized into the action plan for implementing the SDGs took place as a market metaphor. The actors who are members of the state and non-state actors make the policy as an agent to canalize and debate the cultural discourses that they get through the socialization process in their fields. A number of these multi-directional goals are united in a commitment to position the SDGs as a solution to overcome the real conditions of strategic problems.