Strengthening Village Governance through Relational Capacity Building: Evidence from Sub-District Leadership in Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53905/Veritas.v2i03.10Keywords:
capacity building, coaching, sub-district head, village governance, qualitative researchAbstract
Purpose of the study: The effectiveness of village governance in Indonesia depends heavily on the capacity of the sub-district head to coach and supervise village heads, yet limited human resources, weak institutional reform, and inadequate facilities frequently constrain this coaching function. This study aimed to describe and analyze the capacity building undertaken by the camat of Kerinci Kanan Sub-District, Siak Regency, in coaching village heads, and to identify the inhibiting factors of that process.
Methodology: A descriptive qualitative case-study design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and documentation involving seven purposively selected informants, and were analyzed using the interactive model of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification, guided by Grindle's capacity-building framework comprising human resource development, organizational strengthening, and institutional reform.
Results: The findings show that coaching was implemented mainly through technical guidance, direct instruction, and periodic meetings at the sub-district office; organizational strengthening was reflected in the provision of written and oral directives; and institutional reform was manifested through field supervision and direct interaction between sub-district and village apparatus. However, capacity building was constrained by the low quality of village human resources, inadequate facilities and infrastructure, and a less conducive regulatory environment.
Conclusions: Capacity building is not a process that starts from zero but builds upon existing potential through continuous collaboration between sub-district and village apparatus; strengthening human resources and facilities is recommended to optimize the coaching function.
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