Community Participation and Village Fund Effectiveness: A Structural Functional Perspective in Community Development in Biontong Village

Abstract

Optimizing village fund utilization is a strategic effort to enhance the effectiveness of community development at the local level. This study aims to analyze the role of community participation through the Village Deliberation Forum (Musyawarah Desa) in promoting effective village fund management in Biontong Village. A qualitative approach was employed, using in-depth interviews with seven informants, field observations, and document analysis. The study draws on the structural functional perspective of Talcott Parsons to examine the role of village institutions in maintaining social equilibrium, and the human development theory of Michael Todaro to interpret the contribution of village funds to improving community well-being. The findings indicate that village fund utilization in Biontong Village has been relatively effective and aligned with development priorities, particularly in basic infrastructure, community empowerment, and public service improvement. Active community participation in the Village Deliberation Forum plays a crucial role in ensuring that development planning reflects citizens’ actual needs. The study concludes that effective village fund governance depends not only on administrative procedures but also on participatory institutional synergy in community development.