Department of Government Studies

Webinar on Optimizing Village/Kelurahan Governments in Handling Covid-19 in Indonesia. (Photo: Special)

Malang, April 29, 2020. During the Covid-19 pandemic situation, which has not ended yet. IP Study Program held a 2nd series of online discussions with the theme "Optimizing Village/Kelurahan Governments in Handling Covid-19 in Indonesia". This discussion was moderated by a young lecturer of the UMM Government Science Study Program, Ali Roziqin, M.PA, and presented two speakers, namely a senior lecturer of the UMM Government Science Study Program, Drs. Krishno Hadi, MA and practitioner Drs. Agus Purwanto, M.Kes as well as the Head of Purwodadi Malang City. Mr. Agus Purwanto delivered the first material, Mr. Pur as he is known, explained that villages/kelurahan are the last bastion in handling COVID-19 in Indonesia. If the condition of the village cannot be controlled, of course, this will set a bad precedent for all communities. In addition, each kelurahan/village has formed a task force responsible for handling COVID-19 at the village level.

The discussion process on Optimizing Village/Kelurahan Governments in Handling Covid-19 in Indonesia. (Photo: Special)

The status of the village government is a victim because what the Village Government does is the result of central policy. However, the resources in the village are minimal. Added to this is the community's lack of discipline and honesty in preventing the handling of COVID-19. Furthermore, the second speaker, Krishno Hadi, focused more theoretically on the fact that the village government cannot make its policies. And confusion at the local level results from the central Government's indecision in handling COVID-19. This situation becomes more complicated when practiced in rural/kelurahan communities where many people are vulnerable to COVID-19.

The conclusion from this discussion is that we must agree that the village is the level of Government that is the most victimized in efforts to deal with COVID-19. Villages cannot determine policies independently. In addition, as the last line of defense against COVID-19, the general public also needs to obey, be disciplined, and be honest in every direction/policy issued by the Government.