PERENCANAAN KEBIJAKAN PENGELOLAAN DANA PENGEMBANGAN KELURAHAN DALAM PENINGKATAN PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT DI KELURAHAN SE-KECAMATAN KOTA UTARA KOTA GORONTALO

Abstract

This study was motivated by the importance of Village Development Fund management planning as a means of enhancing community participation in local development. Although its implementation has been regulated through relevant government policies, several challenges remain, affecting the effectiveness of participatory planning. This study aimed to analyze the planning of Village Development Fund management policies in increasing community participation and to identify factors hindering the planning process in villages within North Kota District, Gorontalo City. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through observations, interviews, documentation, and literature review involving seven informants consisting of the Head of North Kota District, village heads, representatives of community institutions, and community members. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The findings indicate that the planning process has generally applied the principles of participation, transparency, responsiveness, and institutional involvement. Community participation was facilitated through neighborhood meetings and Village Development Planning Forums (Musrenbang), while transparency was reflected in the dissemination of planning information. The village government demonstrated responsiveness by prioritizing community needs, supported by the active roles of community institutions. However, the planning process was constrained by gaps between normative regulations and implementation, limited capacity of village officials, and restricted planning time.The study concludes that the planning of Village Development Fund management policies in North Kota District has been implemented fairly well but has not yet reached optimal effectiveness. Therefore, strengthening institutional capacity, improving human resources, and enhancing planning mechanisms are necessary to promote more effective and sustainable community participation.