IMPLEMENTATION OF VILLAGE FUND ALLOCATION POLICY TO REALIZE VILLAGE SELF-RELIANCE

Introduction: The welfare of rural communities in developing countries such as Indonesia is a significant concern for the government. Therefore, the government's implementation of policies related to village fund allocation is expected to enhance the welfare of village communities. However, in practice, this policy has not yet brought about significant changes in the local communities, particularly in achieving village self-reliance. Literature review: Policy implementation from the Triangle Model perspective is an approach developed by Walt & Gilson, (1994) which emphasizes four main stages in the policy process, namely agenda setting, formulation, implementation and evaluation. The agenda setting stage involves the selection of various problems faced by society to become the focus of decision makers. Next, in the formulation stage, legislative and decision-making bodies design and ratify policies. The implementation process is carried out by the government, followed by an evaluation stage that assesses the impact of the policy. Method: This article aims to examine the process of implementing village fund allocation policies using the triangle analysis model (Buse et al., 2005) .The research informants comprised 23 individuals. Result and Discussion : The results of this study indicate that the objectives of implementing village fund allocation in the Semangga district are known to the implementers/actors, as well as the benefits of village fund allocation being perceived by the village communities. However, the policy implementers lack effective communication to convince and educate the village communities. Additionally, there is a need to enhance human resource commitment and allocate additional funds to advance the villages towards self-reliance. Conclusion: The findings of this study specifically demonstrate the real conditions in the research location regarding village fund allocation. This article presents opportunities for further research using the triangle analysis model in the implementation of village fund allocation policies.


INTRODUCTION
Implementing village independence and community welfare in Merauke Regency, Papua, is a complex problem that requires a holistic approach Tanan & Fonataba, (2022), Sapari et al., (2023).Merauke, as a region located at the eastern tip of Indonesia, often faces challenges in terms of developing infrastructure and human resources.One of the main problems is limited access to basic services such as education, health and transportation Suropati, (2019) This hampers the potential for developing village independence and reduces the overall welfare of the village community.In the midst of these challenges, implementing village independence becomes increasingly important.Village independence covers various aspects, from local economic development to strengthening community capacity in decision making and natural resource management.However, efforts to achieve village independence are often hampered by limited financial resources and technical knowledge at the local level.In this context, the allocation of village funds is crucial Rizqi et al., (2024).Village funds can be used to finance various programs and projects that support village independence, such as skills training, development of basic infrastructure, and increasing access to health and education services.
Village Fund Allocation (ADK) is a policy of the Merauke Regency government in order to encourage the independence of villages in the Merauke Regency area so that they are more advanced in their development.The aim of ADK based on Merauke Regency Regent Regulation Number 3 of 2019 is to increase village independence.Village independence is the ability of the village government and community to improve welfare through the potential of natural resources and human resources.According to Setiawati & Permata Sari, (2014) Independence means being able to organize oneself to mobilize resources in one's environment, being able to access resources outside one's environment, and managing these resources to overcome social problems that occur in one's environment.Nailufaroh et al., (2022)  4 independence is seen from a sustainable development perspective, so that emphasis is placed on sustainable management of natural resources, development of local potential, and active community participation in decision making.
The main challenge in implementing village fund allocation is ensuring that the funds are used effectively and efficiently according to the needs of the village community Rizqi et al., (2024) Strong supervision and accountability are needed to ensure that village fund allocations actually provide significant benefits to local communities.This involves an active role from local governments, non-governmental organizations and local communities themselves in monitoring the use of these funds and identifying areas where improvements and improvements are still needed.With proper implementation, village fund allocation can be an effective instrument in accelerating the development of village independence and improving community welfare in Merauke Regency Tanan & Fonataba, (2022), Sapari et al., (2023) However, this requires strong commitment from various parties as well as close cooperation between government, society and the private sector to achieve common goals in improving social and economic conditions at the local level.
Although the implementation of village fund allocation has become the main focus in efforts to increase village independence and community welfare in various regions, there is a significant research gap in relation to the implementation theory proposed by Buse et al., (2005) One research gap that can be identified is the lack of in-depth understanding of the internal and external factors that influence the village fund allocation implementation process.Although the implementation theory of Buse et al., (2005) highlight the importance of contextual factors in the policy implementation process, empirical research applying this theory specifically to village fund allocation is still limited.Apart from that, another research gap is the lack of analysis of the impact of village fund allocation policy interventions on increasing village independence and overall community welfare.Although the implementation theory of Buse et al., (2005) emphasized the importance of evaluating the impact of policies in achieving desired goals, research measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of village fund allocation in the context of developing village independence and community welfare is still limited.Therefore, this research aims to integrate the implementation theory of Buse et al., (2005) with the specific context of village fund allocation and can provide valuable insights for policy makers and practitioners in efforts to increase the effectiveness of development programs at the local level.
Until now, there has been no in-depth research that uses the Triangle Model concept developed by Buse et al., (2005) in analyzing village fund allocation policies.The Triangle Model is a comprehensive framework that considers three main dimensions in health policy implementation, namely policy content, implementation context, and implementation process.
Although this model has been used in the context of health policy in various countries, its application in the context of village fund allocation has not been revealed in depth.The novelty of this research is important because village fund allocation has its own dynamics and complexities that require a holistic analytical approach.By applying the Triangle Model in analyzing village fund allocation policies, new research can provide more comprehensive insight into the factors that influence the success or failure of implementing these policies.
Apart from that, the use of this model can also help identify interactions between various elements in the village fund allocation implementation process, which in turn can provide more precise and effective recommendations for policy makers.With the latest research, it is hoped that new opportunities will open up to deepen understanding of the dynamics of implementing village fund allocation policies.This research can also be a basis for developing more sophisticated frameworks and analytical tools for studying village fund allocation policies in various local contexts.Thus, it is hoped that this research contribution can fill existing knowledge gaps and provide new impetus for the development of more effective policies in increasing village independence and community welfare.

PUBLIC POLICY
Policy, according to Abidin, (2004) are decisions made by authorized institutions to solve problems or achieve goals desired by society.Public policy, as a statutory regulation, functions to regulate and serve people's lives in various aspects.Wasistiono, 2007) explains that policy is a series of actions or activities proposed by individuals, groups or governments in facing certain challenges and opportunities with the aim of achieving desired targets.According to Nugroho, (2014) public policy has two main characteristics, namely easy to understand because it aims to achieve national goals, and easy to measure because progress in achieving these goals can be measured clearly.The policy development process occurs in a policy cycle that includes various stages, from agenda setting to policy evaluation.Policy implementation theories and models are divided into three generations, namely Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Hybrid.The Top-Down approach, according to (Moon & DeLeon, 2001) refers to elite control in government activities that influence public policy.The Bottom-Up Model, on the other hand, involves the community in the policy implementation process, either directly or through NGOs, 6 as explained by Elmore in Tachjan, (2006) The Hybrid, or mixed, model is a collaboration between government and community participation, where successful implementation is characterized by the level of compliance with applicable regulations, the smooth implementation of routines, and the achievement of the expected performance and impact, as explained by (Ripley & Franklin, 1986) Policy implementation from the Triangle Model perspective is an approach developed by Walt & Gilson, (1994) which emphasizes four main stages in the policy process, namely agenda setting, formulation, implementation and evaluation.The agenda setting stage involves the selection of various problems faced by society to become the focus of decision makers.
Next, in the formulation stage, legislative and decision-making bodies design and ratify policies.The implementation process is carried out by the government, followed by an evaluation stage that assesses the impact of the policy.However, a number of analyzes criticize the discrepancy between the expected policy process and the reality of its implementation.The policy framework, according to Buse et al., (2005) recognizes the importance of paying attention to policy content, policy-making processes, and the use of power in the context of health policy.The framework helps to understand the interactions between states, societal groups, and international actors in shaping health policy as well as the context in which these interactions occur.The Triangle Model, as an analytical tool, helps in understanding the factors that influence policy by focusing on policy content, policy process, policy context, and policy achievements.These components include problem identification, policy objectives, actor perspectives, as well as the achievements and impacts of policies that have been achieved, which are then compared with the initial policy objectives that have been previously set.

VILLAGE FUND ALLOCATION POLICY
The implementation of village government is part of the government administration system which gives villages the authority to regulate and manage the interests of their community Widjaja, (2005) The village organizational structure consists of the head of affairs, the executor of affairs, and the hamlet head Nurcholis, (2007) Village autonomy is based on origins and customs, so that if a village has affairs that are regulated and managed according to custom, this is recognized by law Nurcholis, (2007) Village autonomy is genuine and not a gift from the government, so the government is obliged to respect village autonomy Widjaja, (2005) The concept of village autonomy refers to the ability and initiative of village communities to organize and carry out their own lives without outside interference Nadir, (2013) Village autonomy is considered a right that has existed since the village was founded, not as an authority granted by the state Nadir, (2013) Villages have authority that includes village origin rights, authority that has not been implemented by statutory regulations, as well as assistance duties from the district, provincial and/or central government Widjaja, (2005) Allocation of village funds is a form of fulfilling the village's right to exercise its autonomy, enabling the village to develop according to its own needs based on diversity, participation, genuine autonomy, democracy and community empowerment (Novirania, 2018) According to Merauke Regency Regent Regulation Number 3 of 2019 concerning Procedures for Allocating Village Fund Allocations Article 1 paragraph 8, a village is a legal entity that has a boundary area that has the authority to manage and administer government affairs and the interests of the local community, which is based on initiative and original rights.
-origins or traditions that are recognized in the Indonesian government system Widjaja, (2005), Khudori, (2002) describes a village as a residential environmental unit inhabited by groups of people, who then gather to form a village.Village Fund Allocation (ADD), according to Nurcholis, ( 2007) is funds originating from the Regency Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) which are allocated to increase financial equality between villages to support development and community services.According to Widjaja, (2005) village fund allocations are prepared with the aim of empowering, improving welfare and spreading development in rural areas through allocations from the district, provincial and central government APBD, which is realized in a fund allocation of 10% of each APBD.
On the other hand, Wasistiono, (2007) stated that village fund allocation is not only about economic aspects, but also about supporting political and reform processes in the village.
Thus, the allocation of village funds is a response from the state to support village authority, which includes recognized original authority, established local organizational authority, and administrative-delegative authority granted by the government Sahdan, (2004) The village fund allocation assistance program aims to support the development and welfare of village communities, and in accordance with Law Number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages, village fund allocations are used to finance village authorities according to their needs and priorities, with the government having the authority to determine priorities for their use to support village development and community empowerment (Indriyanti et al., 2018).According to the Ministry of Finance, village fund allocations continue to increase from year to year, which are distributed

VILLAGE SELF-RELIANCE
In social sciences, the concept of independence is often defined as the ability to act autonomously, not depend on other parties, and be able to manage oneself and maintain survival.Suharto, (2008) describes independence as an attitude that emphasizes the ability of individuals or groups to overcome various problems to achieve certain goals, but remains open to the possibility of mutually beneficial cooperation.From a community development perspective, Young & Verhagen, (1996) states that community independence is a condition where individuals or groups no longer depend on help from third parties to fulfill their interests.
The concept of independence has several meanings according to FPPD and DRSP-USAID (2007).First, village governance and development are based on local community initiatives and preferences.Second, local affairs should be decided at the local level in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity.Third, the state has an obligation to provide funding support to villages because it recognizes the existence of village government.
Based on a regional government perspective, Prabowo et al., (2020) explains that independence in managing regional authority is the basis for achieving efficiency, accountability, control and autonomy.Principles such as the Stigler principle, principle of fiscal equivalency, correspondence principle, decentralization theorem, and subsidiarity principle are key in realizing independence in the management of regional authority.Village independence does not only stand alone, but is also related to the dimension of justice in the relationship between the village/village and larger supra-village powers.Local initiatives and policy responses from the government are an important combination in realizing village independence.
Local initiatives include village ideas, wishes and wills that are based on local wisdom, communalism and social capital.Meanwhile, the government's policy response involves recognizing the existence of villages, establishing rights, power, authority, resources and responsibilities to villages.This authority allows villages to regulate their own households and the interests of local communities, which becomes the basis for villages in planning local development (Directorate General of PMD, 2007).

METHOD
This research uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach, which is an approach to understanding the meaning given by individuals or groups to social or humanitarian problems (Creswell & Clark, 2017) Informants in this research are individuals who have relevant experience with a research background and are able to provide solid information about related situations and conditions.Informants were taken using a snowball sampling technique, starting with the appointment of key informants who were deemed to understand the research subject in depth.The research informants consisted of several parties, including members of the Merauke Regency Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), Head of the Village Community Empowerment Service, Head of the Merauke Regency Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency, Village Head, Chair or member of the Village Representative Body, community leaders/figures customary institutions, as well as communities or representatives of community groups such as farmer groups, business groups, women's groups, and residents who are directly involved in programs or activities funded by village fund allocations.The main focus of this research is the implementation of village fund allocation policies in the Semangga District, Merauke Regency with sub-focuses, including policy content, policy process, policy context, and policy actors.Apart from that, this research also examines village independence in Semangga District, Merauke Regency by referring to the existence of ADK.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION
The results of research on the implementation of village fund allocation are seen from the aspects of policy content, policy process, policy context, policy actors and local culture.All these aspects are explained as follows:

POLICY CONTENT
The results of research on the content of village fund allocation policies are divided into three parts, namely policy benefits, policy objectives, and policy implementation.10 livestock assistance, but also to appreciate the contribution of village officials and community leaders through honorariums.Although the allocation of funds provides important benefits, challenges towards village independence still remain.Policy evaluation and adjustments are needed to ensure that allocated funds are used effectively and efficiently, as well as to overcome challenges that may arise in the implementation process.Menkhoff & Rungruxsirivorn, (2011) study shows that village fund allocation has significant benefits in increasing financial access, reducing economic inequality, and promoting economic development in villages.The relevance of these findings to village fund allocation highlights the potential of this policy as a strategic instrument for financial inclusion, reducing dependence on informal financial institutions, and reducing credit constraints among village communities.Implementation of the village fund allocation policy provides broad benefits, including increasing local capacity in resource management, improving infrastructure and basic services, empowering communities through active participation, promoting sustainable environmental management practices, and contributing to the achievement of global sustainable development goals.Thus, the allocation of village funds is not only a strategic step to encourage village independence, but also supports efforts towards a more just, inclusive and sustainable society as a whole.
The results of research on the vision and objectives of the village fund allocation policy, as stated in Merauke Regent Regulation number 3 of 2019, show that this policy aims to achieve positive changes in various aspects of village community life.One of the main focuses of this policy is to strengthen the implementation of village government, ensuring that the structure and functions of local government run effectively and efficiently and are able to provide quality services to the community.Development of village communities is also an important goal, with efforts to increase community capacity and skills to strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and encourage active involvement in village development.The welfare of village communities is the main focus of this policy, with fund allocation aimed at improving living standards through increasing access to health services, education and basic infrastructure.
Increasing village independence is also an important goal, with this policy designed to help villages become more independent in meeting their own needs, managing resources efficiently, and making decisions related to village development independently.In addition, this policy aims to increase active community participation in the social, cultural and political fields, by encouraging involvement in decision-making processes and supporting activities that strengthen the village's cultural and social identity.In terms of implementation, this policy emphasizes the importance of close cooperation between village governments, communities and other related parties, as well as transparency, accountability and effective communication 11 to ensure policy objectives can be achieved.In addition, adaptability and flexibility in facing challenges and changing situations are important aspects in maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of this policy.Thus, through clear and comprehensive objectives, this village fund allocation policy reflects a holistic and sustainable approach to village development, taking into account local needs and priorities in its implementation.The findings of this research are consistent with the findings of (Kaboski & Townsend, 2012) and (Boonperm et al., 2009) The results of research on the implementation of village fund allocation in the Semangga district highlight the key role of village heads and village officials in managing these funds.
Their responsibilities include planning, executing and reporting on the use of funds, with the aim of achieving inclusive and sustainable village development.Although the community participates in this process through village deliberations, obstacles arise due to the community's limited knowledge of the mechanisms and potential use of funds, reducing their participation in these deliberations.The role of the Merauke Regency government also has limitations, especially related to the mechanism for disbursing funds which is carried out in stages in two stages.Although intended to ensure responsible use of funds, this mechanism also poses challenges in terms of flexibility and responsiveness to urgent village needs.Apart from that, the absence of verifiers at the village government level adds to difficulties in the verification and monitoring process of fund use.In the context of policy implementation, the importance of the role of policy implementers, community participation, adaptability and supporting structures is highlighted.Village heads and village officials must have sufficient capacity to manage funds effectively, while community participation in decision processes helps ensure the legitimacy and relevance of policies.Supporting structures, such as strong verification and evaluation mechanisms, as well as flexibility in policies, are needed to ensure successful policy implementation.Thus, efforts to increase the knowledge and capacity of the community and village government are the key to overcoming obstacles in implementing village fund allocation.Through continuous education and capacity strengthening, it is hoped that community participation can be increased, while village heads and village officials can carry out their roles more effectively.This will help achieve the objectives of the village fund allocation policy optimally.The findings of this research are consistent with the findings of (Bell & Morse, 2012) Implementation of Village Fund Allocation Policy to Realize Village Self-Reliance The policy context in implementing village fund allocation in the Semangga district reflects the complexity of public policy dynamics.Based on the understanding of Buse et al., (2005) theory, the strategies of involved actors and the responsiveness of actors are essential in understanding and translating policies into actions that are beneficial to society.This study reveals that the objectives of village fund allocation, as identified by the community, include better village governance, community development, increased welfare, village independence, and community participation.This research also identifies the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD), village government, and the community as the main actors in the policy implementation process.Good responsiveness from all these actors is key in ensuring that village fund allocation is in line with community needs.The strategy adopted, including transparency and accountability in fund management, shows recognition of the complexity of power and interests that exist in the context of village fund allocation policies.Through active community participation, village fund allocation reflects collaborative efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.This study also provides a broader view through understanding Buse et al., (2005) regarding the dynamics of power and interests in public policy.
Research shows that village fund allocation is a mechanism that can facilitate local economic growth and improve community welfare.The responsiveness and strategic adaptation of the actors involved, supported by effective feedback mechanisms, is important in maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of policies over time.These findings provide an in-depth understanding of how village fund allocation in the Semangga district reflects best practice in implementing public policy.By integrating theory and practice, this research highlights the importance of people-centred and community-based approaches in achieving desired development goals.Through transparent, responsive and collaborative management, village fund allocation can become a powerful instrument for strengthening the capacity and resilience of local communities, in line with aspirations for inclusive and sustainable development.The findings of this research are consistent with the findings of (Iskandar & Aritenang, 2020) and (Novirania, 2018) Implementation of Village Fund Allocation Policy to Realize Village Self-Reliance The results of research on policy actors in village fund allocation in the Semangga district reveal that the policy-making process involves a participatory structure involving several key actors.The village head and village officials play the main role in managing village funds, while the community plays a role through village meetings to ensure that the allocation of funds reflects their needs and priorities.In addition, BPKAD's involvement shows the importance of collaboration between village and district governments in managing village funds effectively.However, there are obstacles related to the limited knowledge of the community, emphasizing the need to increase their capacity through education and training programs.Buse et al., (2005) analysis of policy actors highlights the importance of interactions and negotiations between various actors in formulating effective policies.Village deliberations as participatory forums reflect good governance practices by involving various community perspectives.The limited knowledge of the community indicates the need for capacity building strategies to increase their understanding of policy processes and fund allocation.The responsiveness of policy actors to community input, as exemplified by BPKAD and village officials, is crucial in ensuring policies achieve their goals.The conclusion of Buse et al., (2005) analysis emphasizes that successful implementation of village fund allocation policies requires collaboration between policy actors and active and responsive community participation.Through this framework, the importance of collaboration, community participation, capacity building and responsiveness in achieving policy goals becomes clear.In Merauke Regency, the term "kampung" has replaced "village" in the context of local government.This change reflects unity in communal management and governance which is similar to the village system widely known in Indonesia.This shows local adaptation to national policies and regulations, while maintaining rich local culture and traditions.Law Number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages provides a legal framework for villages, and implicitly for villages in Merauke Regency, to function as legal community units with the authority to regulate their own affairs.This affirms the principle of local autonomy and gives villages the capacity to manage the interests of their community based on initiative, originary rights and traditional rights respected by the state.Widjaja's view of the village as a unique entity based on rights of origin emphasizes the importance of understanding the village as a community with a rich cultural identity, not just as an administrative entity.
Merauke Regency Regent Regulation Number 3 of 2019 confirms the village as a legal community unit with the right to manage its internal affairs.This shows the government's efforts to empower villages through recognition and respect for their traditional initiatives and rights.
Khudori presents a perspective on the village as a unique living environment, accommodating segments of the population with various economic and educational backgrounds, showing the village's adaptability in accommodating the needs of its diverse population (Rahardjo, 2014) identified village characteristics that include large primary groups, geographic influence, intimate relationships between residents, and the function of the family as an economic unit, depicting a close-knit and cooperative village social structure.Villages are seen as small, independent community units, emphasizing the village's ability to provide basic services to its residents.The geographical and social characteristics of villages have a direct impact on the dynamics of communal life and the local economy.The allocation of Village Fund Allocations must be viewed in the context of this independence, as well as within the framework of local laws and traditions.
Limited community knowledge poses a significant challenge in policy implementation, highlighting the need for continued efforts to build local capacity and knowledge to be effective.
Overall, villages in Merauke Regency demonstrate the richness of the local context in communal management and governance.Community involvement, reflected in the village consultation process, ensures that policies and programs are developed in line with the needs and desires of local residents, promoting active participation and community empowerment.
The limited knowledge of the community about village fund allocation emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in the process of allocating and using funds.
Allocation of Village Funds is not only about the distribution of financial resources but also about how these resources can be used as a tool to overcome social problems, improve economic prosperity, and strengthen the social and cultural structure of the village.This requires innovative and creative thinking from all relevant policy actors, as well as cooperation between institutions and village and district governments.Through a deep understanding of the local context and by promoting active community involvement, village funds can be an effective tool for achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life of communities.The findings of this research are consistent with the findings of (Bell & Morse, 2012), and (Agusta, 2014) The implementation of village fund allocation in Semangga District, Merauke Regency, involves a number of supporting and inhibiting factors that influence the process.The supporting factors are as follows: 1) Active participation of local communities in preparing development programs.Through village meetings, the community can convey their aspirations and needs directly, so that the programs prepared are more in line with real needs at the village level; 2) Good support and coordination between the district government, district government and village government is an important supporting factor in implementing village fund allocation.Good coordination ensures that the allocation of funds is distributed on time and on target, and minimizes the possibility of errors or misuse of funds; 3) The active participation of related institutions such as the Community Empowerment and Village Government Agency (BPPMD) and the Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) in supporting the implementation process of village fund allocation is a significant supporting factor.Through quality technical guidance and 4) The existence of transparency and accountability in managing village fund allocations is also an important supporting factor.By ensuring that information related to the use of funds can be easily accessed by the public, trust and legitimacy will be created in the programs being implemented; 5) The existence of competent and qualified human resources at the village government level is an important supporting factor in implementing village fund allocation.By having trained staff, village governments can be more effective in planning, managing and monitoring the implementation of development programs; 6) The integration of local culture with the implementation process can make it easier for village communities to understand and understand the essence of village fund allocation.
Deep understanding through integration of local culture with the implementation process can motivate village communities to be more independent in driving the village community's economy, so that villages in the Semangga district can easily become independent.
However, apart from these supporting factors, there are also a number of inhibiting factors that can hinder the implementation of village fund allocation, namely as follows: 1) Limited resources and infrastructure at the village level are one of the main inhibiting factors.Inadequate infrastructure, such as damaged roads or lack of access to electricity, can hamper the distribution and implementation of development programs at the village level; 2) The low level of community participation and understanding is also an inhibiting factor in implementing village fund allocations.Ignorance or lack of understanding about development programs can hinder active community participation in program preparation and monitoring of its implementation; 3) The existence of complex and convoluted bureaucracy can also be an inhibiting factor in implementing village fund allocation.Slow and complicated bureaucratic processes can slow down the distribution of funds and hinder the implementation of development programs; 4) Lack of coordination between various related parties, such as village governments, district governments and related institutions, can also be an inhibiting factor in implementing village fund allocations.Lack of coordination can lead to overlapping development programs or even conflicts of interest between various parties; Even though there are a number of supporting and inhibiting factors, with awareness and commitment from various related parties, as well as efforts to continue to increase capacity and performance in managing village fund allocations, it is hoped that the implementation of development programs at the village level can run more effectively and efficiently, and contribute real impact on improving the welfare of local communities.

CONCLUTION
The results of research and analysis of the implementation of the Village Fund Allocation in the Semangga district, Merauke Regency, show that the implementation of this policy still faces several challenges that need to be overcome.The policy content shows that although the objectives of village fund allocation have been understood by implementers and the benefits are felt by the community, effective communication between policy implementers and village communities is still not optimal.The policy process is running in accordance with existing regulations, but still experiences obstacles such as limited understanding of the allocation of village funds and the gradual process of disbursing funds.In terms of policy context, policy implementers have the power to allocate village funds for the benefit of the community and village independence, while the responsiveness of policy actors is quite good.
The main actors in this process are the village head and village officials, with community participation through village consultation mechanisms also being very important.Village independence in the context of village fund allocation still needs to be improved by improving several aspects, such as building local capacity, increasing collective responsibility, and developing sustainable strategies.Supporting factors for implementing village fund allocation include active community participation, support and coordination between related institutions, and integration of local culture in the implementation process.On the other hand, inhibiting factors include limited resources and infrastructure at the village level, low community participation and understanding, and complex bureaucracy.By understanding the challenges and supporting and inhibiting factors, efforts can be made to increase the effectiveness of village fund allocation implementation and strengthen village independence in achieving sustainable development goals.
define village independence as the village's ability to manage natural and socio-economic resources independently, sustainably, and based on community participation.The concept of village Implementation of Village Fund Allocation Policy to Realize Village Self-Reliance ___________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Gest.Soc.Ambient.| Miami | v.18.n.5 | p.1-21 | e06651 | 2024.
to villages in accordance with Minister of Finance Regulation Number 48/PMK.07/2016concerning Management of Transfers to Regions and Village Funds, as well as several recent Implementation of Village Fund Allocation Policy to Realize Village Self-Reliance ___________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Gest.Soc.Ambient.| Miami | v.18.n.5 | p.1-21 | e06651 | 2024.8 changes to these regulations, as stated in listed in Minister of Finance Regulation Number 225/PMK.07/2017(State Gazette of the Republic of Indonesia of 2017 Number 1970).
Implementation of the village fund allocation policy, as stated in Merauke Regent's regulation number 3 of 2019, shows significant benefits for village development in Merauke.The research results show that the allocated funds are not only used for economic development, such as Implementation of Village Fund Allocation Policy to Realize Village Self-Reliance ___________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Gest.Soc.Ambient.| Miami | v.18.n.5 | p.1-21 | e06651 | 2024.
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Gest.Soc.Ambient.| Miami | v.18.n.5 | p.1-21 | e06651 | 2024.12 4.2 POLICY PROCESSThe policy process in implementing public policy is the main focus in this analysis.Van Meter &Van Horn, (1975) and(Edward III, 1980) Buse et al., (2005) provide diverse views on the policy implementation process.Van Meter & Van Horn, (1975) highlight six main dimensions that influence the process, while (Edward III, 1980)Buse et al., (2005) emphasize the dynamic interactions between policy implementers and their operational conditions.(Edward III, 1980) emphasized four key factors: effective communication, adequate resources, the disposition of implementers, and bureaucratic structure.Grindle adds an understanding of "initial conditions" and "implementation capacity," which broadens the view of external factors influencing the implementation process.Buse et al., (2005) bring a holistic perspective by highlighting the interactions between political, social, and economic factors and internal organizational processes.Limited human resources and infrastructure are the main challenges in implementing village fund allocation policies.The complicated process of disbursing funds, the lack of a monitoring and evaluation team, and the limitations of BUMKam add to the complexity of program implementation.Increasing human resource capacity at the village level, increasing cooperation between villages and district governments, and improving infrastructure are the keys to overcoming these obstacles.Education and outreach to the community regarding the importance of the Village Fund Allocation program needs to be improved to increase community understanding and active participation.Increasing the managerial and technical capacity of village government officials and BUMKam members is also needed for effective management of funds and projects.Collaboration between various development initiatives, development of a strong monitoring and evaluation system, and community economic empowerment through BUMKam are important strategies in achieving village independence.Buse et al., (2005) approach provides valuable insight into the importance of the policy process in implementing village fund allocation policies.Problem identification, policy formulation, decision making, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, advocacy, and communication are important stages in this process.Research by Mat Radzuan et al., (2015) highlights the need for adaptation and effective communication in designing and implementing policies.Collaboration between various stakeholders and a deep understanding of the local context are also the keys to successful implementation of village fund allocation policies.Implementation of Village Fund Allocation Policy to Realize Village Self-Reliance ___________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Gest.Soc.Ambient.| Miami | v.18.n.5 | p.1-21 | e06651 | 2024 ___________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Gest.Soc.Ambient.| Miami | v.18.n.5 | p.1-21 | e06651 | 2024 4.5 LOCAL CULTURE Local culture in Semangga District Village, Merauke Regency, Papua, is an important factor in supporting the implementation of village fund allocations to achieve village independence.Local culture is a strong foundation in shaping the identity and character of local communities, enabling them to develop strategies that are in accordance with the cultural values they uphold.Apart from that, local culture also strengthens solidarity and cooperation among community members, through values such as mutual cooperation and togetherness which are reflected in local culture, which become the basis for collaboration in development programs.Cultural heritage and traditional practices can be an inspiration for innovation in overcoming the challenges faced by the village.Utilization of traditional knowledge and local wisdom allows the development of solutions that are unique and appropriate to the local context to Implementation of Village Fund Allocation Policy to Realize Village Self-Reliance ___________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Gest.Soc.Ambient.| Miami | v.18.n.5 | p.1-21 | e06651 | 2024.15 improve the welfare and independence of the village.Apart from that, local culture can also be used as a means to increase awareness of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, which is the basis for sustainable management of natural resources.The importance of inclusiveness and justice in village development is also reflected in local culture, where the values of equality and justice can ensure the participation of all village members, including vulnerable groups and minorities.Through integrated local cultural education, cultural values and traditional knowledge can be passed on and maintained from generation to generation, while making them an attraction for local tourism and community-based economic development.Thus, the integration of local culture in the implementation of village fund allocations can strengthen the community's responsibility and sense of ownership in the development of their village, achieve sustainable independence and improve collective prosperity.
___________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Gest.Soc.Ambient.| Miami | v.18.n.5 | p.1-21 | e06651 | 2024.17 supervision, these institutions can help improve the capacity and performance of village governments in managing these funds; Implementation of Village Fund Allocation Policy to Realize Village Self-Reliance ___________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Gest.Soc.Ambient.| Miami | v.18.n.5 | p.1-21 | e06651 | 2024.18 5) Changes in policies and regulations that are often inconsistent can be an inhibiting factor in implementing village fund allocations.Sudden or uncoordinated policy changes can cause uncertainty and difficulties in planning and implementing development programs.