Text Box: Volume 4, Number 5, May 2023 e-ISSN: 2797-6068 and p-ISSN: 2777-0915

 


VILLAGE HEAD LEADERSHIP OPTIMIZATION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN SULA REGENCY: STUDY OF HANDLING DIRECT CASH FUNDS IN FALAHU VILLAGE

 

Sitti N. Batjo, La Jaali

STIA Abdul Azis Kataloka, Indonesia

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

 

KEYWORDS

optimization; leadership; cash transfers

 

ABSTRACT

The Village Head has the position of Head of Village Government who is in charge of administering Village Government, carrying out development, community development, and community empowerment. The village head as the formal leader of the village acts as a motivator, facilitator and mediator who is very important for the success of each planned development program and plan. The purpose of study is to find out village head leadership optimization during COVID-19 pandemic in sula regency regarding study of handling direct cash funds in Falahu village. This research is a type of descriptive research with qualitative analysis which is a problem-solving procedure investigated by describing and describing the state of an object at the time of research based on the facts that appear as they are. This information is needed to find out the Optimization of Village Head Leadership in Handling Direct Cash Assistance Funds During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Falahu Village, Sanana District, Sula Islands Regency. Research data was collected either through data collection instruments, observation, interview guidelines, documentation. From the results of the research and discussion that has been carried out, it can be concluded that the leadership factor plays an important role because it is the leader who will move and direct the community in achieving goals and at the same time is a task that is not easy because you have to understand the behavior of each subordinate and the different people. In general, and as a whole has optimized his leadership role both starting from the role of responsibility, communication, interpersonal, informational and decision-making.

 

INTRODUCTION

Indonesia is one of the countries affected by Covid-19 pandemic that has hit the world.    Covid-19 was first identified on December 31, 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. In early December 2019, the patient was diagnosed with unusual pneumonia, Covid-19 spread widely in Wuhan to Chinese and spread to other countries. Covid-19 can be transmitted through direct interaction with  infected patients (Livana et al., 2020).

In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic spread to Indonesia, its spread increased  and increased in almost all provinces.   This virus not only has an impact on health, but also the global economy,  especially the Indonesian economy (Abdi, 2020). The Indonesian Minister of Finance said Indonesia's economic growth projection was only 2.3 percent, even in the worst-case scenario the economy could grow to minus 0.4 percent. The cause is the decline in consumption and investment both in households and in the country. Such an effect occurs on tourism.  The effects of physical distancing affect travel agents, hotels,  transport companies and  tour guide restaurants and they are no longer able to work (Rahmadia et al., 2020).

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia has affected various sectors, including the financial sector, forcing the government to act quickly to overcome the impact of   Covid-19.  On May 16, 2020, Law Number 2 of 2020 was passed, which affects the country's fiscal policy and financial system stability, not a law to deal with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and/or in 2020. With this law, it is hoped that the government can overcome the impact of Covid-19 on society at the national level (Gunawan, 2020).

The village head as the  formal leader of the village acts as a motivator, facilitator and  mediator which is very important for the  success of every planned development program and plan (Lamangida et al., 2017). In addition, the village head is also an organizer of state government, community leaders and development  figures who expand, mobilize and increase community participation to actively participate  in village development activities. Therefore,  a competent, honest, wise village head is needed,  able to lead village  government and has quality village equipment (Lamangida et al., 2017).  

There are complaints in the  community, especially people affected by Covid19, so it  is important for the  government to  immediately synchronize information between the central and   regional governments to avoid duplication of  data collection and the role of administrators (Amin &; Siregar, 2015). The region or village is very important to distribute income assistance appropriately according to the purpose.  Therefore, the role of the area manager is. village heads, are obliged to distribute direct financial assistance appropriately to communities suffering from Covid19.

Falahu Village, Sanana District, Sula Islands Regency is one of the villages that received direct funding assistance from the central government.  The village head, that is, the village head, must participate in the distribution process. The role of the village head as the main leader at the village level in the distribution of direct financial assistance requires data collection using Social  Security Data Terdapu (DTKS) so that later the  distribution of direct financial assistance is clear and  on target because the village head knows  the best and knows the  conditions .  communities in villages affected by Covid19 (Atika &; Robbani, 2021).

With the above regulations, it is important to understand how these policies can be implemented in a timely, targeted manner and consistent with existing regulations, and the researchers' preliminary findings point to observed problems, including; (1) assistance is sometimes not on target, lack of coordination and short time to plan programs according to applicable regulations, (2) sometimes only relatives of the village chief or village staff receive such assistance.

Based on this background, the author is interested in conducting research entitled "Optimization of Village Head Leadership in Handling Direct Cash Transfer Funds During Covid-19 Pandemic in Falahu Village, Sanana District, Sula Islands Regency". Moreover, the purpose of study is to find out village head leadership optimization during COVID-19 pandemic in sula regency regarding study of handling direct cash funds in Falahu village.

 

RESEARCH METHOD  

The type of research that researchers use in this study is descriptive research with qualitative analysis which is a problem-solving procedure investigated by describing and describing the state of an object at the time of research based on facts that appear as they are (Sugiyono, 2013). The qualitative approach is expected to be able to produce in-depth descriptions related to speech, writing, and observable behavior of an individual, group, community and certain organizations in certain contexts that can be studied from a complete, comprehensive and holistic point of view.

In data collection, researchers use in-depth interview techniques using interview guidelines, observation, and documentation. Data analysis in qualitative research is carried out from before entering the field, and after completion in the field. Data analysis is more focused during the process in the field along with data collection. In this data analysis, researchers used Miles and Huberman's data analysis. According to Miles and Huberman (sugiyono, 2019), activities in qualitative data analysis are carried out interactively and take place continuously until they are complete, so that the data is saturated. Activities in data analysis, namely data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/ verification.

 

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Optimization of Village Head Leadership during Covid-19 Pandemic in District Sula Kepualuan (Study on Handling Direct Cash Transfer Funds in Falahu Village)

Leadership is an ability or abilityto overcome people in such a way as to achieve the greatest possible results with the least possible conflict and as large as possible cooperation. A leader is a means of achieving goals in the organization and to meet the needs of subordinates depends on the skills and abilities possessed by the leader.

According to BIMA, n.d.)  Direct Cash Transfer (BLT) is basically implemented to help alleviate the difficulties faced by the poor in order to meet their basic needs, prevent the decline of the poor due to economic difficulties and increase social responsibility, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The village head as the spearhead of leadership in the village has a very big role in this matter, because the village head is the person responsible for the implementation of the program. 

The leadership of the Village Head in handling direct cash assistance funds in Falahu Village, Sanana District, Sula Islands Regency During the Covid-19 Pandemic Period will be analyzed from various indicators, namely: 1) decision making, 2) communication, 3) transparency, 4) responsibility (Manullang, 2022).

Data on the Leadership of Village Heads in handling Direct Cash Transfer Funds during the COVID-19 pandemic in Falahu village, Sanana District, Sula Islands Regency have been obtained through interviews and observations. Below, is an excerpt from the results of interviews conducted by researchers with Village Heads, Village Staff and recipients of direct cash assistance.

Decision Making

Decision making is one of the functions of leadership. Decision making is to make an assessment and make a choice, this decision is taken after going through several calculations and considerations from several alternatives (Bonsergent et al., 2023). Before a choice is dropped or a choice is decided, there are severalstages that the decision maker may go through. These stages may include identifying the main problem, compiling alternatives to be chosen to the best decision making.  Leadership occupies a strategic position because it becomes the driving force for various resources available in the organization to achieve goals. The scheme for handling the COVID-19 pandemic must be coordinated and synchronized starting from the lowest level, namely at the village level to the central level. As in DTKS data collection and social assistance distribution, the role of lower-level leaders (village heads) determines the accuracy of policies issued by the central and regional governments.  Similarly, the task of a leader in this case the village head has a great responsibility in decision making, because if the wrong decision is made it will affect the performance and assessment of the village head as well (Valero, 2006).

Based on the results of interviews with the Head of Falahu Village, researchers asked how to respond and make decisions in dealing with complaints from people who should have received BLT but were not registered as BLT recipients.  Here's an excerpt of the interview:

"The determination of BLT is deliberative so that decision making always involves other village staff and always listens to input or suggestions to get a good decision. For decision making on BLT recipients, in addition to involving village staff, I also involve BPD as a representative of the community, religious leaders and community leaders".

 

Then the researcher again asked the Village Secretary about how Mr. Kades in making decisions, especially for decisions related to BLT, here are excerpts from the interview:

"For all forms of decision making, especially those related to direct cash assistance, the village head himself always involves other village staff".

The researcher again asked the treasurer of the Falahu Village office about how to make decisions made by the father of Kades.  Beliau also replied:

"For all decision making, the Village Head always involves village staff and especially for the administration, he always listens to the advice of the village staff and myself"

The researcher asked the same thing to 3 recipients of Falahu village cash transfer and their answers were the same for decision making:

"Mr. Village Head has never involved us or other recipients of direct cash assistance for decision making, especially the decision of recipients of direct cash assistance".

From the results of the study, it can be said that the role of a village head is very important, as said by the Coordinating Minister for PMK The importance of lower-level leaders is also in accordance with President Joko Widodo's direction that field leadership at the lower level that can move quickly greatly determines the success of handling the pandemic. In addition, lower-level leaders are the decisive party in the course of policy. Meanwhile, the central and local governments are tasked with monitoring and formulating appropriate policies and programs.

Based on the answers from the speakers, it can be concluded that in making decisions regarding BLT recipients, the village head does not make decisions alone, but always involves his staff in determining who is entitled to receive the BLT. However, the decision did not involve the BLT beneficiary communities.

Communication

   Leadership Communication is an activity carried out by leaders to their subordinates including the delivery of messages, information, and tasks through certain media to achieve common goals  (Zahara, 2018). With good communication will ensure that each member of the organization can do their duties well. Without good and correct communication, it  is likely that all processes in  the organization/ institution will not be able to run optimally and according to what has been planned.

Based on the results of interviews related to how to communicate, the researcher directly asked about how the Village Head or Leader in Falahu Village built good communication with other village staff in handling direct cash assistance funds, the following is an excerpt of the interview:

"As a village leader, I always direct other village staff from data verification to BLT distribution, I always use good language and always provide direction and understanding. And always appreciate complaints or input from other village staff".

Then from the interview with Falahu Village Secretary:

"Inmy opinion, the way the village chief communicates with us, the other village staff, especially me, has been very good. And use very polite language and always listen to our suggestions or complaints well".

Next, again ask the village treasurer for how to communicate, the village chief,  whether he has communicated well. Then he answered:

"To communicate well, I think the village chief has communicated well and by using soft and polite language".

The same question was asked to BLT applicants, and here are excerpts from the interview:

"Mr. Village Head always speaks well, communicates with us well, if Mr. Village Head wants to convey something he always with polite and polite language".

A good communicator can be a great spokesperson. A variety of information in a timely and accurate manner can help dispel rumors and misunderstandings that may result in suspicion. The trust and credibility of the communicator is a key principle of effective communication. The village head as a communicator must be able to convey messages or convey information, provide certainty and say what has been done based on coordination with the government at the local to central levels, so as to gain the trust of the community. To build trust, communicators must frequently listen and talk to constituents or the public.

From the results of the interview, it can be concluded that the communication carried out by a leader in this case, the Village Head has communicated well, this is proven by the results of answers from the source persons that the Kades can communicate politely and politely to the staff and BLT recipients.

Transparency

Transparency is open so that it can be accessed by everyone who needs it. Accountability means that every process and result of public services must be accountable to the public while participatory means that a public service will only be maximized if there is public participation  (Widanti, 2022).

In terms of providing assistance, especially for the community, a village leader/head must strive to be open and transparent. The more transparent a leader is about the organization's goals and challenges, the easier it will be for the team to understand their role and how they can individually contribute to their overall success. Those feelings can then translate into higher levels of community involvement.

In addition  to  discussing decision making and communicating well, the  researcher also asked the village head about how the village head andtransparency in handling direct cash transfers. And here's an excerpt of the interview:

"In the distribution of direct cash transfers, we are always transparent or open because every distribution always involves all,  ranging from the police, TNI, sub-district, religious leaders, and community leaders".

The researcher asked the secretary of the falahu village office whether the village head was always transparent to other village staff. Then he answered:

"Yes, Mr. Ikram Umaternate as the father of the village head is always transparent to other village staff in matters of work, he always holds small meetings to discuss something".

The researcher asked the treasurer about the transparency or openness of the Falahu Village Head.  Heanswered:

"For openness, he is always open, well for village affairs, he never keeps anything a secret".

Furthermore, questions about transparency were also given to BLT recipients, and the following are excerpts of interviews:

The mother who has the initials HF as the recipient of the  direct cash transfer fund, is the village head always open to the issue of direct cash assistance.  Then he answered:

"For direct cash assistance, I know that Mr. IU as the village head is only open for the date of receipt and who receives the assistance".

Meanwhile, Nurmi Fatgehipon replied: "The village head is always open to recipients of direct cash assistance".

Almost the same answer was also said by SF's mother that:

"Yes, he is open about direct cash assistance and we can know who can receive the assistance".

From the results of the wawancra quote, it can be seen that the Head of Falafu Village has carried out a leadership role in terms of transparency.

Responsibility

The village head is the main bearer and person in charge of governance, development, community and general government affairs including thedevelopment of security and order at the village level.   In other words, the village head is a community administrator within the scope of the village.

The person in charge of leadership in a leader explains that he is fully responsible for the ups and downs of the leadership entrusted to him. In this regard, the success or failure of leadership depends and depends entirely on the leader.

Based on the results of research on indicators of leadership roles in terms of responsibility, especially in handling BLT, the researcher asked how the village head accommodated all input or usualan from participants who were present in the distributionof direct cash assistance funds.  Beliau also replied:

"In the division, I always get input or ideas that they convey, for example, disbursement is a little late or other things, I often explain to them that this disbursement we have to go through several stages and always take a letter of recommendation from the sub-district and then go to the bank for disbursement".

Furthermore, the researcher also asked the village head how the role of the village head in fostering or socializing the handling of direct cash assistance funds.  Excerpt of the answer:

"We always tell them that this initiative or assistance must be used as well as possible, not used with things that are not for example used to buy household needs, for example for daily food needs".

Then questions were addressed to the secretary of the Falahu Village Office about the responsibilities of a Falahu Village Chief.  Hereplied:

"For responsibility, I think Mr. Ikram is very responsible in his duties or whatever it is. Because he always completes his duties and responsibilities well".

The next question to the treasurer of the Falahu Village Office and the researcher asked her about Mr. Ikram's responsibilities as village head.  Heanswered:

"Mr. IU as a village head is very responsible in his duties as a leader in his own village office".

Furthermore, questions were also given to BLT recipients, including Mrs. Hawa Fatmona, and the results of the interview were as follows:

"For the distribution of direct cash assistance, he is always responsible because he always makes sure we receive the assistance properly".

The researcher again asked the mother, whose initials are NF, that:

"Mr. Ikram Umaternate as the father of the village head is always responsible for the distribution of direct cash assistance from distribution to completion and he always explains the usefulness of the assistance".

The researcher again asked SF's mother, and her answer:

"Yes, Mr. Village Head is very responsible for distributing direct cash assistance".

 A responsible leader is  a leader who remains firm and able to think tactically to accept all risks arising from the decisions taken.  The leader is always big-hearted, accepts criticism and always takes responsibility for all the decisions he takes.

Based on the results of interviews with the speakers, it can be explained that the responsibilities carried out by the Head of Falahu Village have been running well, as evidenced by the BLT distributed well to the entitled recipients.

CONCLUSION

From the results of research and discussions that have been carried out, it can be concluded that leadership factors play an important role because it is the leader who will move and direct the community in achieving goals and at the same time is a task that is not easy because they have to understand every behavior of subordinates and different communities. Then it can be concluded that; (1) in making decisions, the village head does not make decisions alone, but always involves his staff to determine who is eligible to receive the BLT, but the decision does not involve the BLT beneficiary communities, (2) in communication, the Village Head has communicated well, and can coordinate with the government at the regional and central levels as well as with staff and BLT recipients, (3) transparency is open so that it can be accessed by everyone who needs it, and this has been done by the Village Head, and (4) the responsibility carried out by the Head of Falahu Village has been going well, as evidenced by the BLT distributed well to the entitled recipients.

 

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Copyright holders:

Sitti N. Batjo, La Jaali (2023)

First publication right:

Devotion - Journal of Research and Community Service

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International