Exploring the Lived Experiences and Sense-Making of Civil Servants in Indonesia’s 3T Regions: A Phenomenological Study
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Abstract
Public administration research increasingly emphasizes the importance of understanding the human dimension of public service, particularly in challenging and marginalized settings. In Indonesia’s 3T (frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged) regions, civil servants encounter unique obstacles that shape both their professional responsibilities and personal experiences. While existing studies often address technical or policy challenges, little is known about the interpretation and lived realities of civil servants in these contexts. This study asks: How do civil servants in 3T regions make sense of the complexities of their service roles? Using a qualitative phenomenological methodology grounded in the philosophical principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this research explores the essential meanings underlying their day-to-day experiences and their adaptive responses to adversity. Twelve civil servants with direct field experience in 3T regions participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using IPA, revealing core themes such as resource scarcity, emotional adaptation, the reconstruction of professional identity, and the importance of cultural engagement. The findings demonstrate that civil servants develop resilience, reshape their sense of purpose, and rely on community integration to navigate persistent challenges. These insights provide a deeper, more nuanced understanding of public service in marginalized regions and highlight the necessity for policies and training programs that foster psychological resilience and cultural sensitivity among public officials. The results lay a foundation for future research on public service experiences in remote or disadvantaged settings.
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