Community Participation Forms in Indonesian Villages to Support the Sustainable Development Goals Program

Abstract

Objective: This article aims to investigate the various forms of community participation in supporting sustainable development programs in rural areas. It specifically examines the nature and extent of community involvement across different stages of program development, highlighting the key actors and categories of participation.   Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework for this research is grounded in the concept of community participation in development, which is a fundamental principle of sustainable development. The study draws on the works of scholars who have explored community engagement and its significance in achieving development goals, particularly in rural contexts. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a backdrop to assess the alignment of community participation with global development priorities.   Method: This research employs a qualitative approach to capture the nuances of community participation in sustainable development programs. Data is gathered through in-depth interviews with development participants and focus group discussions. The qualitative methodology allows for a deeper understanding of the forms, actors, and dynamics of community involvement.   Result and Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that community participation is integral to all stages of sustainable development program development: planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The research identifies two main channels through which community participation occurs: formal village institutional channels, including village community empowerment institutions and community representative bodies, and informal channels, which involve community leaders, religious figures, youth leaders, and professionals. Community participation takes three primary forms: contributions of ideas and thoughts, material contributions, and donations of energy.   Originality/value: This research contributes to the understanding of community participation in the context of sustainable development in rural areas. It highlights the diverse ways in which communities engage in development initiatives and emphasizes their essential role in achieving the SDGs. The study's value lies in its potential to inform policymakers, practitioners, and academics about the significance of community participation and its implications for the success of sustainable development programs.