CIDISS – The development program of Jalan Usaha Tani (JUT) as a support to the agricultural production center using the Village Fund can reduce unemployment for residents of Lagundi Village, Southeast Sulawesi. Infrastructure development from the Village Fund can involve and empower citizens.
The head of Lagundi Village, La Andy, said that the construction of the Jalan Usaha Tani infrastructure that empowers villagers is a commitment of the village government and the Village Representative Body (BPD). All development activities with funds originating from the Village Fund are based on community consultations, village officials and village representative bodies, no program is made on the personal wishes of the village head.
In the implementation of village activities programs, in particular the physical work of the field employs villagers so that they get income. The essence of the Village Fund and the Village Fund budget from the central government and the regional government is the welfare of the community so that citizens are involved in carrying out work in the field.
He gave an example, an increase of 1.4 kilometers of agricultural road work with a width of four meters was planned to be done manually by the villagers. He said, some jobs use heavy equipment to maintain road quality. That is also based on the advice of citizens so that no one is harmed.
The work to improve Farming Roads in Lagundi Village, Kambowa Subdistrict, North Buton Regency, which has been completed, costs Rp. 300 million. Whereas the salary for residents is Rp. 105 thousand per day.
The head of the BPD, Lagundi Syahrula, said that the implementation of 1.4 kilometer-long increase in the Farmers’ Business Road had become a highlight because of using heavy equipment. In planning the implementation of work and budgeting using manual labor or done by humans. In fact, some work items use heavy equipment. This needs an explanation so that it does not cause legal problems in the future.
Meanwhile, Member of North Buton DPRD, Muliadin Salenda appreciated the development of Jalan Usaha Tani because it opened up access for farmers to transport their crops. He said, the existence of a farming road meant that farmers were easier to go back to the garden and had no trouble transporting crops.
With the existence of the Village Fund, it is hoped that the village heads will be more transparent in opening up access to information on Village Fund receipts. This is important, so that all people can know and participate in guarding the development and it is hoped that the relevant agencies will be more stringent in supervising the distribution of village funds according to the rules, so that the program is in accordance with the targets for achieving community welfare.
By: M. Irfandi *)