South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics

This study aims to examine the implementation of the Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for public housing in Pohuwato Regency by integrating the analytical lenses of multi-level governance, policy capacity, and integrative capacity to elucidate the determinants of adequate-housing service outcomes for vulnerable groups. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed through a case study design involving the Office of Public Housing and Settlements and the Regional Disaster Management Agency. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document review, and subsequently analyzed using the Miles–Huberman interactive model with credibility testing. The findings demonstrate that the governance architecture operates with a relatively clear division of roles among local government agencies. Nonetheless, significant regulatory gaps persist due to the absence of a Regent Regulation and standardized operational procedures for implementing the housing MSS. Service achievements remain incremental; in 2024, only five housing units were constructed, with financial assistance ranging from IDR 7.5 to 40 million per unit, although the interventions were substantively well-targeted toward poor households and disaster-affected residents with severe damage. Three key determinants of MSS implementation were identified: limited fiscal capacity heavily reliant on external support; constrained institutional capacity due to insufficient and unevenly distributed technical human resources; and underdeveloped regulatory capacity that results in procedures being conducted informally. The study concludes that strengthening local regulatory frameworks, institutionalizing cross-agency coordination mechanisms, developing medium-term financial planning, and investing in technical capacity are essential prerequisites for enhancing local governments’ ability to fulfil the right to adequate housing as mandated by the public housing Minimum Service Standards.