THE SISTER STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF EAST JAVA AND THE STATE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA ON THE PROVISION OF DISABILITY AND HEALTH SERVICES ON CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (2013-2015)

Abstract

States are generally known as the main actors in the International Relations, but in this recent years, the phenomena where non-state actors play important roles in diplomacy or International Relations also can be seen, that these phenomena are seen as the shifting trends in International Relations. Nowadays, not only discussing about the inter-state relations, International Relations also discuss the sub-state relations that the local governments such as provincial, districts and cities governments are also included. The phenomena where sub-state governments as non-state actors play important roles in developing International Relations are defined as Paradiplomacy. One of the phenomena of local governments developing International Relations is the existence of Sister State relationship. The provinces in Indonesia have been improving their international links by having Sister State relationships with other province or state of other countries, including East Java Province that have been tied a Sister State relationship with the State of Western Australia for more than 25 years. Regarding the provision of Disabilities and Health Services, both East Java and Western Australia have a strong commitment to give the best services for Children with Special Needs. Thus, Sister State relationship is seen as the best way for both province-state to cooperate in improving the quality of the services for Children with Special Needs. This thesis has a purpose to create a better understanding regarding the implementation of Sister State Relationship between the Provincial Government of East Java and the State of Western Australia on the Provision of Disabilities and Health Services on Children with Special Needs. This thesis then explains the programs that have been implemented by both province-state for Children with Special Needs, the roles of the Provincial Government of East Java on this Sister State relationship, as well as the benefits of this Sister State relationship for East Java Province.