A total of 20 people from the Nemnemleleu Village Government, South Sipora District, the Village Consultative Body (BPD), and community representatives, attended the training on drafting Village Regulations (Perdes) organized by the Citra Mandiri Mentawai Foundation (YCMM). This training took place in the Nemnemleleu Village Hall on July 9-11, 2024. The purpose of this training is to improve understanding and ability in drafting village policies that are oriented towards community interests.
Nemnemleleu Village Head, Balsanus Saogo, admitted that this training was the first experience for his village since working with YCMM. "Previously, our village had formal village regulations such as the RPJMDes Village Regulation and the RKPDes Village Regulation. However, we have not been able to issue the initiative village regulation. With this training, we hope to be able to compile village regulations that are clearer and more structured," said Balsanus.
This training provides benefits that are directly felt by the participants. The Head of the Nemnemleleu BPD, Jentinus Samaloisa, said that the training had increased his insight, although he felt that the process of drafting village regulations still needed improvement. "I now understand better how the process of making Perdes and will discuss it with the village government to formulate the regulations needed," said Jentinus.
Jentinus also revealed plans to draft several Village Regulations that are badly needed by the Nemnemleleu community, such as the Village Regulation on Public Order, the Village Regulation on Local Food Management, and the Village Regulation on Waste Management. However, his main priority is the Village Regulation on the Protection of Women and Children, considering that cases of violence against women and children are often resolved through customary law and do not pay attention to the fate of the victims.
"We want to create stricter rules so that perpetrators receive appropriate punishment, and customary law will not only provide a deterrent effect, but also protect victims. Customary law must be a social sanction that supports positive law in force in our country," explained Jentinus.
Meanwhile, Desi Siregar, a staff of the Nemnemleleu Village Planning Unit, felt that this training opened her insight into the correct preparation of village regulations. She now understands better the order of the preparation of Village Regulations, including the origin of the formation of laws in the country to the authority at each level of policy.
Tarida Hernawati, YCMM’s Sipaumat Program Manager, stated that the training aims to advocate and encourage the birth of village regulations that favor the community, especially marginalized groups such as women and children. “Currently, many victims of violence are vulnerable to other violence and experience social exclusion due to the stigma attached to them. This powerlessness further marginalizes them in social, economic, and political aspects,” said Tarida.
According to Tarida, this program is important to encourage village governments to be more empowered in formulating inclusive policies and protecting vulnerable groups. In addition to village officials, this training also involves indigenous women cadres and community representatives. Hopefully, with this training, the capacity of village officials and other stakeholders will increase, so that they are able to determine policies that are truly beneficial to the community.
This training on drafting village regulations is an important step in strengthening village governance to be more responsive to the needs of its citizens, especially in protecting women and children from violence and ensuring sustainable management of local resources.
