Bungin Permai Village in Tinanggea District, South Konawe Regency, Indonesia, remains classified as an underdeveloped village based on the Village Development Index (VDI). This finding was reported by Muhammad Arsyad, Peribadi, Bakri Yusuf, Megawati Asrul Tawulo, and La Patuju from Halu Oleo University in a study published in 2026 in the International Journal of Integrative Research (IJIR). The research is significant because it introduces a Sustainable Social Development Model designed to strengthen village development planning and accelerate progress in disadvantaged rural communities.
Rural development remains a
critical priority for reducing regional disparities across Indonesia. Despite
continuous government efforts, many villages continue to face challenges
related to education, healthcare, infrastructure, sanitation, and economic opportunities.
These limitations often hinder local development and slow improvements in
community welfare.
According to the researchers from
Halu Oleo University, village development should not focus solely on physical
infrastructure. Sustainable progress requires an integrated approach that
balances social, economic, and environmental dimensions. This perspective forms
the foundation of the Sustainable Social Development Model proposed in their
study.
To examine the condition of
Bungin Permai Village, the researchers adopted a qualitative approach that
combined field observations, surveys using official Village Development Index
instruments, in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and documentation
analysis. The collected information was then analyzed through village index
calculations, phenomenological analysis, and SWOT analysis to identify
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting village
development.
The study found that Bungin
Permai Village recorded a Village Development Index score of 0.520,
placing it in the category of an underdeveloped village. The low score
was primarily driven by weak social resilience and economic resilience,
although the village demonstrated relatively strong environmental resilience
compared with the other dimensions.
The research identified several
key factors contributing to the village’s developmental challenges:
- Limited access to quality education.
- Inadequate healthcare services.
- Sanitation and basic service deficiencies.
- Insufficient infrastructure.
- Weak local economic institutions.
Despite these obstacles, the
study also highlighted important development assets. One of the village’s
greatest strengths is the strong social capital of the Bajo community, whose
traditions of cooperation and social cohesion contribute to community resilience.
In addition, the village possesses considerable coastal resource potential that
could support sustainable economic growth if managed effectively.
Based on these findings, the
researchers developed a Sustainable Social Development Model that integrates
three essential dimensions: social development, economic development, and
environmental sustainability. The model emphasizes community capacity building,
local economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and participatory
governance. According to the study, sustainable village development can only be
achieved when these interconnected dimensions are addressed simultaneously.
Muhammad Arsyad and his
colleagues argue that local communities must play a central role in development
initiatives. Effective village transformation requires collaboration among
village governments, community organizations, local institutions, academics,
and external stakeholders. Such partnerships help ensure that development
programs are responsive to local needs and capable of producing long-term
benefits.
A notable contribution of the
study is its expansion of the role of the Village Development Index.
Traditionally, the index has been used mainly to assess the status of village
development. The proposed model broadens its function by positioning the index
as an analytical framework capable of explaining the dynamic relationships
among social resilience, economic resilience, and environmental resilience.
This approach provides policymakers and development practitioners with a more
comprehensive tool for planning and evaluation.
The implications of the research
extend beyond Bungin Permai Village. For policymakers, the findings offer
valuable guidance for designing more targeted and inclusive rural development
programs. By identifying the underlying causes of underdevelopment, governments
can allocate resources more effectively and prioritize interventions that
address the most pressing community needs.
For development practitioners,
the study reinforces the importance of combining economic growth with social
inclusion and environmental stewardship. Rural development strategies that
focus exclusively on economic indicators may overlook critical factors that
influence long-term sustainability. The proposed model demonstrates how
balanced development can strengthen community resilience while improving living
standards.
For local communities, the
findings provide a roadmap for achieving sustainable progress. Investments in
education, healthcare, local entrepreneurship, environmental management, and
community participation can collectively help villages move beyond underdeveloped
status and create stronger foundations for future growth.
Overall, the research
demonstrates that Bungin Permai Village faces significant developmental
challenges but also possesses valuable social and environmental assets. Through
the implementation of a Sustainable Social Development Model that integrates
social, economic, and ecological dimensions, underdeveloped villages can build
a clearer pathway toward inclusive and sustainable development.
Author Profile
Dr. Muhammad Arsyad is an
academic at Halu Oleo University whose research focuses on rural development,
social development, and sustainable development policy. This study was
co-authored by Peribadi, Bakri Yusuf, Megawati Asrul Tawulo,
and La Patuju, who are also affiliated with Halu Oleo University and
specialize in community development, social resilience, and regional
development based on local potential.
Research Source
Arsyad, Muhammad; Peribadi;
Yusuf, Bakri; Tawulo, Megawati Asrul; Patuju, La. “Sustainable Social
Development Model in the Analysis of the Village Index of Developing Bungin
Permai Village, Tinanggea District, South Konawe Regency, Indonesia.” International
Journal of Integrative Research (IJIR), Vol. 4, No. 8, 2026, pp. 697–722.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijir.v4i8.243.
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