Study of the Implementation of Policies on the Utilization of Funds for Urban Village Empowerment Activities

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the policy on the utilization of urban village funds for community development and empowerment and identify the inhibiting factors. The research was conducted in Talun Village, Talun District, Blitar Regency. The data analysis technique in this study uses descriptive qualitative data analysis. This research found that the success of urban village fund management depends on the capacity of the apparatus and transparency in budget management. Community participation in planning through the village development plan deliberation (Musrenbangkel) and supervision of using funds improves program accountability and effectiveness. Internal oversight needs to be strengthened with regular evaluations to ensure reporting transparency. The main supporting factors are clear regulations, funds availability, and urban village officials' commitment. At the same time, obstacles include technical constraints in using financial applications, limited human resources, and low community awareness of supervision. While the urban village fund contributes to infrastructure development and community empowerment, the program's sustainability needs to be ensured by increasing the capacity of the apparatus, a more muscular monitoring system, and the integration of information technology to improve the transparency and efficiency of financial reporting. This research is expected to improve the effectiveness of Urban village Fund management through strengthening apparatus capacity, transparency, community participation, supervision, technological innovation, and more flexible and sustainable policies.