Regencies of Indonesia facts for kids

A regency (Indonesian: kabupaten) is an important part of how Indonesia is organized. Think of Indonesia as a big country divided into smaller parts. First, the country is split into large areas called provinces. Then, these provinces are divided into even smaller areas called regencies. Sometimes, the Indonesian word kabupaten is also translated as "municipality." Both regencies and cities are further divided into even smaller areas called districts (known as Kecamatan, or Distrik in Papua).

What is a Regency?

A regency is a type of local government area in Indonesia. It's like a county or a shire in other countries. Each regency has its own government that manages local affairs. This includes things like schools, roads, and public services for the people living there.

How Indonesia is Organized

Indonesia has a clear system for how its land is divided.

• Provinces: These are the largest administrative divisions. Indonesia has many provinces, each with its own capital city and governor.
• Regencies and Cities: Each province is then divided into regencies (kabupaten) and cities (kota). Regencies usually cover larger rural or mixed areas, while cities are more urban and densely populated.
• Districts: Both regencies and cities are further divided into smaller areas called districts (kecamatan). These districts help manage local communities more closely.
• Villages: The smallest divisions are villages (desa or kelurahan). These are the local communities where people live.

Who Leads a Regency?

Each regency is led by an official called a Regent. In Indonesian, this leader is known as a Bupati. The Bupati is like a mayor for the regency. They are responsible for making decisions and overseeing the government services within their regency. People in the regency vote to choose their Bupati. This helps make sure that local leaders represent the people they serve.

Why Regencies are Important

Regencies play a very important role in Indonesia. They help bring government services closer to the people. Instead of everything being managed from the capital city, regencies can handle local issues. This makes it easier for people to access services and for their voices to be heard. They help manage local development, like building new schools or improving healthcare. They also help keep order and ensure that laws are followed in their area.

Images for kids

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  Portrait of a Javanese regent in gala uniform (circa 1900).

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  Sosroningrat, Regent of Jepara 1881–1905

See also

In Spanish: Kabupaten para niños