Journal of Policy and Society

An interpretative phenomenological analysis: Is Indonesia prepared for electric vehicles?

Amit Joshi — 2024-12-27

The transition towards sustainable transportation is critical for Jakarta, where traditional gas-powered vehicles contribute substantially to air pollution and adverse health effects. Battery- Powered Electric Vehicles (BEVs) represent a viable alternative, backed by technological advancements and government interventions like subsidies. However, despite these initiatives, BEV adoption remains influenced by factors beyond just price. This study explores consumer perceptions and the determinants of BEV demand using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The qualitative research, conducted through semi-structured interviews with 10 male participants aged 25 to 40, examines key factors impacting BEV adoption, such as price sensitivity, availability of substitutes, production costs, and externalities. Additionally, the study identifies the role of information gaps and government awareness campaigns in shaping consumer preferences. Findings indicate that price disparities, substitute availability, and infrastructure limitations significantly influence BEV adoption. Economic considerations, coupled with consumer awareness of environmental impacts, are pivotal in driving demand. The research suggests that enhancing infrastructure, providing accurate information, and implementing supportive policies could accelerate BEV adoption in Jakarta. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable transportation and mitigate negative externalities in Indonesia’s capital.

Linkage between community resilience and participation, and social sustainability: Insights from the challenges of urban apartment residents in Yangon, Myanmar

Zin Ni Ni Lwin — 2025-01-03

All over the world, urban communities face several pressures such as natural hazards, climate change, and other urban challenges. Yangon, the former capital city of the developing country, Myanmar also faces poor infrastructure and limited resources, complicating efforts to reduce risk, and increasing its vulnerability to various shocks and emergencies. Especially in Yangon’s urban areas, an important aspect that seems to be lacking is maintaining the social aspect of sustainability and enhancing community resilience and participation. By approaching the conceptualizations and applying them through qualitative methods, including interviews and questionnaires, this paper explores a holistic understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by urban apartment residents in downtown Yangon, focusing on maintaining resilience and enhancing the overall well-being of their daily lives. Our findings contribute to the theoretical conceptualizations and empirical understanding of urban lifestyle by exploring descriptive analysis of how apartment residents face weak social bondings and social illness. As a result, we proposed political recommendations and highlighted the critical need to promote long-term social sustainability not only to address immediate urban challenges but also to promote their resilience against a variety of future challenges. Although the outcome of this study has focused on specific suggestions for Yangon, this paper provides original insight into effective strategies for building social bonding and resilience, aiming to impact future urban studies and inspire actionable solutions that enhance the social well-being of its population and encourage equitable development across the globe.

Exposing the hidden costs of ‘free’: Personal data commodification in the digital economy via X.0 Theory, Fuzzy Delphi, thematic analysis, and problem-solving frameworks

Hamid Mattiello — 2025-01-26

In this article, various techniques such as Fuzzy Delphi, thematic analysis method, and Creative Problem Solving (TRIZ Algorithm) are investigated to model the antecedents and consequences of personal data commodification in the digital economy in the post-truth world, through the X.0 wave/era theory. The article’s findings highlight and reveal the hidden costs of ‘free’ products and services that are offered in exchange for personal data. To address these issues, there is a growing need for increased regulation and transparency in the digital economy, as well as greater awareness among consumers about the value of their personal data and their rights to privacy. The article draws upon the metaphor of ‘free cheese and mousetrap’, which emphasizes how individuals can be lured into providing their personal data, only to be exploited or used for someone else’s benefit. Additionally, this article addresses three topics that have become increasingly relevant in recent years. Firstly, it is crucial to, beware of products that appear to be free—they’re not intended for your benefit, but rather to exploit you as a commodity. Secondly, the article examines the ‘velvet revolution’ that has taken place, which has facilitated the commodification of personal data in the digital economy. Thirdly, the article explores the intersection of hybrid, cognitive, and disinformation warfare with information disorder, which is used to control social and cultural capital.

Harmonization of cross-border contract law: Legal solutions in a globalized world

Emmanuel Guillermo Carreño Bernal — 2024-12-15

The harmonization of law is an essential tool to address the regulatory challenges arising from globalization and the increase in international commercial transactions. This phenomenon focuses on creating consistent legal frameworks that reduce conflicts of laws and transaction costs while improving legal certainty. From its emergence in the 19th century with the intent to revive the Lex Mercatoria to the advancements made in the 20th century through institutions like UNIDROIT and UNCITRAL, harmonization has evolved as a flexible mechanism promoting normative integration without imposing absolute unification of legal systems. This process is particularly relevant in dynamic areas such as cross-border contract law, where legislative diversity hinders the effectiveness of contractual and economic relationships. However, harmonization faces significant challenges in sensitive areas such as family law and labor law, where cultural and political factors play a central role. Despite these difficulties, its adaptable nature allows states and individuals to adjust legal instruments according to specific needs. This paper analyzes the historical evolution, fundamental characteristics, and contemporary challenges of legal harmonization, highlighting its role as an effective response to regulatory conflicts in a globalized environment. It concludes that harmonization not only fosters international cooperation but also strengthens global economic development by providing practical and balanced legal solutions tailored to the demands of an increasingly interconnected trade landscape.