Institutional Membership and Rural Development in Indonesia: Case Study of Three Villages in Purbalingga
Abstract: This study aims to
measure community membership in rural institution and analyze its benefits in
rural development after Indonesian decentralization. To do so, a case study was
conducted in Serang, Kedarpan and Sumilir village of Purbalingga District,
Central Java Province. Respondents of this study consist of 232 people, and
data are analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Findings of this study
present that diverse community groups exist, and most households become active
members in one to two rural institutions. Neighbourhood, religious and farmer
groups are the most active institutions in term of membership and carrying
periodic meeting. Membership in rural institutions improves access to
financial, physical and natural capital, but less in improving human capital.
While most villagers are member of neighbourhood, farmer and religious groups,
the village government does not build intensive interaction with these
institutions in meetings to formulate village decision. Thus, the empowerment
process is not optimally delivered, and the institutions cannot optimally help
their members in addressing their livelihood problems. Some initiatives are
performed by the institutions, but without government support, they result only
limited benefits for the members. Thus, this study recommends the government to
involve more institutions in village decision making, especially by improving
the participation of neighbourhood, religious and farmer groups.
Penulis: Sutiyo, Ismail Nurdin
Kode Jurnal: jpsosiologigg150025
