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FORMOSA NEWS - Cirebon - Local Politics Shapes Public Policy in Kertawinangun Village, Cirebon. These findings were revealed in research conducted by Sri Wulandari, Aliyya Malika Rachmah, Selviana Monika, Dinda Putri Sri Lestari, Alfian Ramdhani, and Maftuh Ahnan Sulaiman from Gunung Jati Swadaya University in a scientific article published in 2026 in the Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences.

The research gains significance in the context of Indonesia's Village Law ( Law No. 6 of 2014), which grants broader autonomy tovillages. With increased authority over budgeting and development planning, villages now have greater flexibility but also face more complex political dynamics in decision-making processes.

Politics as a Determining Factor in Village Policy

Kertawinangun Village was selected as a case study because it reflects active local political dynamics. The researchers found that policy decisions are influenced not only by administrative procedures but also by interactions among key actors: the village head, the Village Consultative Body (BPD), community leaders, and local residents.

In practice, decisions about development priorities, allocation of Village Funds, and implementation of programs often reflect political negotiations. Local politics becomes the arena where interests compete and agreements are formed, ultimately shaping which programs move forward and who benefits from them.

A Grounded Qualitative Approach

The study applied a qualitative case study method. Data were collected through field observations, interviews with village officials and community members, and analysis of policy documents. This approach allowed the researchers to trace the full policy process from formulation to implementation while identifying political influences at each stage.

Key Findings

The study outlines several major findings:

  • Village head leadership is the most dominant political factor influencing policy direction and budget priorities. The head’s vision and political orientation strongly shape development focus.
  • Relations between the village head and BPD significantly affect policy implementation. Harmonious cooperation can accelerate programs, while political conflict can delay or block them.
  • Local and higher-level political affiliations influence the level of support from district or provincial governments.
  • Community participation, especially through village deliberation forums (Musdes), serves as a political arena where competing interests are negotiated.
  • Village Fund allocation is often subject to political considerations rather than purely objective community needs.

The researchers also identified obstacles resulting from political influence, including elite conflicts, post-election polarization, budget politicization, weak checks and balances, patronage practices, and nepotism.

Implications for Village Governance

According to the authors, unmanaged political influence can reduce policy effectiveness and erode public trust. However, when guided by democratic principles, politics can strengthen accountability and community empowerment.

The study recommends several strategic steps:

  • Digitalizing village information systems to improve transparency.
  • Strengthening the oversight capacity of the Village Consultative Body.
  • Ensuring inclusive and participatory village deliberation forums.
  • Establishing independent community monitoring groups.
  • Enhancing political literacy and public policy education among residents.

These measures are expected to help align political processes with broader public interests rather than narrow group agendas.

 

Author Profiles


Sri Wulandari, S.Sos., M.AP. Lecturer and researcher in public policy and village governance at Gunung Jati Swadaya University.

Aliyya Malika Rachmah Researcher in public administration and local governance, Gunung Jati Swadaya University.

Selviana Monika Researcher specializing in local politics and village administration, Gunung Jati Swadaya University.

Dinda Putri Sri Lestari Researcher in public policy and rural development, Gunung Jati Swadaya University.

Alfian Ramdhani Researcher in governance and village policy management, Gunung Jati Swadaya University.

Maftuh Ahnan Sulaiman Researcher in public administration and community participation, Gunung Jati Swadaya University

 

Source

Sri Wulandari, Aliyya Malika Rachmah,  Selviana Monika, Dinda Putri Sri Lestari, Alfian Ramdhani, Maftuh Ahnan Sulaiman. Public Policy Analysis Related to Political Factors in Villages: Case Study Kertawinangun Village, Kedawung District. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences (FJAS), Vol. 5 No. 1, hlm  401–412. 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i1.573
URL: https://srhformosapublisher.org/index.php/fjas