Makassar, Indonesia, May 14, 2020/SUSTRACCO/- In recent years, the importance of community participation in development planning has gained global recognition as a key driver of sustainable progress. A compelling example comes from Indonesia, where village development planning is intended to involve local communities actively in shaping their future. However, a recent study titled “The inclusiveness of community participation in village development planning in Indonesia,” published in the journal Development in Practice by Routledge – Taylor and Francis Group on May 14, 2020, reveals that this ideal is far from reality.
The study, conducted by Ratna Ayu Damayanti and Syarifuddin Syarifuddin, used participatory rural appraisal methods to explore how inclusive community participation truly is in Indonesia’s village development planning. Despite laws like Indonesia’s Law No. 6 of 2014, which grants villages autonomy and emphasizes bottom-up, community-based development, the research found that participation remains limited and often symbolic. Village leaders, closely aligned with government interests, typically represent the community, while the broader population remains largely excluded from meaningful involvement.
This lack of inclusiveness undermines the effectiveness of development planning, as the real needs and voices of the community are not fully integrated into decision-making processes. The study highlights three core issues: insufficient community input, a planning process dominated by top-down approaches, and outputs that prioritize political interests over community welfare.
Addressing these challenges is crucial to achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Inclusive community participation in development planning fosters empowerment, social justice, and sustainable resource management, all essential for these goals.
The study’s findings suggest that true inclusiveness requires moving beyond mere formalities to genuine engagement where communities actively assess their problems, contribute local knowledge, and share decision-making power. Such empowerment strengthens communities’ capacities to face challenges independently and ensures development initiatives reflect their real priorities.
In conclusion, while Indonesia’s village development planning framework holds promise, its success depends on transforming participation from a symbolic act into a continuous, inclusive process. This transformation can drive sustainable development that uplifts marginalized groups and aligns with global SDGs, creating resilient and thriving rural communities.
Reference :
https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2020.1752151
Contact:
Prof. Syarifuddin, SE., M.Soc.,SC.,AK
081334348498
syarif1963@yahoo.com
syarifuddin@fe.unhas.ac.id
