The Citra Mandiri Mentawai Foundation (YCMM) together with the Nemnemleleu village government, North Sipora sub-district, Mentawai Islands district held a Village Apparatus Assistance workshop. This event will be held on 18-19 September 2023 in the village office hall. A total of sixteen participants attended this event. The aim of this workshop is to accommodate the need for empowerment and protection of indigenous communities and marginalized groups in village policies, programs and budgets.
Before opening the event, the Head of Nemnemleleu Village, Balsanus Saogo, in his speech said that one of the weaknesses experienced by the village government was the lack of synergy between departments. This happens because the capacity or ability of village officials is not yet adequate. So that carrying out village government programs is ineffective and not in accordance with the determined annual targets.
"Even in the preparation of the Village Government Work Plan (RKPDes) document, it must be acknowledged that it is not reflective. "Policies, programs and budgets certainly do not touch marginalized groups such as women, people with disabilities, children and the elderly," said Balsanus.
Balsanus hopes that the village officials present can take this workshop seriously. So that the ability to run programs and budgets in accordance with annual targets and achievements increases even better.
The chairman of YCMM, Rifai, who also acts as a facilitator, said that this activity aims to help village government officials in carrying out their professional duties. Village officials must first understand their main duties and functions and have a gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) perspective. In order to be able to implement inclusive village governance.
In delivering his material, Rifai explained that the authority of the village government in running government was regulated in Law Number 6 of 2014. This law clearly states the main duties and functions of each person from the head of affairs, section heads to the obligations of the village government. Namely, providing participation space for marginalized groups to be involved in the program preparation process through village development planning meetings (musrenbang).
“Involvement of marginalized groups is very important. "Because they are the ones who know more specifically what their needs are which must be accommodated in village policies, programs and budgets," added Rifai.
Doffiari Saogo, Head of Services, said this activity was very useful for being able to better understand the main duties as a government apparatus in providing services to the public. "Apart from that, it is hoped that the courage to put forward ideas and arguments regarding future program implementation will improve," he concluded.
