Publication Details
Abstract
Village development planning is a strategic instrument for realizing participatory and sustainable development. The Village Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMDes) serves as the main guideline for village development over a six-year period. However, in practice, its preparation still faces various obstacles, particularly concerning the quality of the documents and the effectiveness of implementation. This research aims to analyze the role of the Village Empowerment Office in assisting the preparation of RPJMDes in Kelua District, Tabalong Regency, and to identify factors influencing the suboptimal assistance. The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies, then analyzed using the interactive model by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The results indicate that the assistance in preparing RPJMDes is still dominated by an administrative approach and has not addressed the substantive aspects of planning. Limitations in the technical capacity of village officials and a weak understanding of the synchronization of RPJMDes with the Regency Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD), Village SDGs, and national development priorities have resulted in low-quality planning documents. This research concludes that optimizing the role of the Village Empowerment Office as a facilitator and enhancer of village planning capacity is key to improving the quality of RPJMDes. These findings contribute to the development of public administration studies and village governance.