.

Summary

In this interview with Mrs. Rina Merlina, a former PGSD graduate and current chairperson of the Sungai Baung village council, the discussion explores the geostrategic role in village development. Mrs. Rina talks about the village’s strengths, including fertile land for palm oil cultivation, and the challenges, such as flood-prone areas and the need for better infrastructure. She also emphasizes the importance of community involvement, governance, and the collaboration between local authorities and residents to foster independence and sustainable development in the village. The interview concludes with a reflection on the village's progress towards becoming self-sufficient.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interview was conducted by MR Fikri from Universitas Jambi's FKIP faculty, with a group of students involved.
• 😀 The interviewee, Ibu Rina Merlina, is a former PGSD student from Universitas Jambi, now serving as the Head of BD Desa Sungai Baung.
• 😀 Desa Sungai Baung has made significant strides in its development, prioritizing infrastructure, health, and religious affairs according to regulations and available budget.
• 😀 The village's geographical location presents both advantages and challenges: it benefits from fertile land for palm oil cultivation but faces flooding issues in lower areas.
• 😀 The village's infrastructure struggles with flood management, despite efforts to build irrigation systems to prevent flooding, especially in areas prone to it.
• 😀 Security in Desa Sungai Baung is generally stable, but conflicts do arise, requiring intervention through village meetings and legal authorities if needed.
• 😀 The BPD (Village Representative Body) plays an essential role in overseeing the village administration, with a primary focus on monitoring the work of the village head.
• 😀 The village’s strategic location and resources, like fertile land and access to transportation, contribute to the development, although poor road infrastructure in some areas hinders economic activities.
• 😀 Despite challenges, the BPD and village government work together to ensure stability and the advancement of development, involving community participation at all levels.
• 😀 The community is actively engaged in the village's strategic planning, including managing the resources for agricultural projects, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the village's future.
• 😀 Ibu Rina emphasizes the importance of empowering the community to be self-sufficient, offering support through resources like seeds and tools to encourage independence in agricultural development.

Q & A

What is the role of Ibu Rina in the village?

Ibu Rina is the head of the BD (Village Development Board) of Desa Sungai Baung. She also serves as a former PGSD (Elementary Teacher Education Program) graduate from 2015, although her current role does not align with her degree.

How does Ibu Rina describe the role of geostrategy in the development of Desa Sungai Baung?

Ibu Rina explains that geostrategy plays a crucial role in the development of the village by ensuring that the village’s governance is aligned with regulations and prioritizes infrastructural development, health, and religious affairs. The village has already maximized these resources in accordance with the established rules.

Does the geographical location of Desa Sungai Baung present advantages or challenges?

The geographical location of Desa Sungai Baung provides both advantages and challenges. The advantages include fertile land suitable for palm oil plantations, as the region benefits from a tropical climate. The challenge lies in the area's lowlands, which are prone to flooding, which hinders agricultural activities, although the government has worked on irrigation to mitigate this issue.

What are some security concerns in Desa Sungai Baung?

In Desa Sungai Baung, security is generally stable, but there are occasional conflicts within the community. These conflicts are usually handled through mediation by the village leadership. The village relies on local law enforcement, such as the Babin (community police), to address external threats like theft or conflicts that go beyond local resolution capabilities.

How does the Village Development Board (BPD) utilize the strategic potential of the village?

The BPD works to oversee and monitor the village administration. While the BPD does not directly manage the strategic resources, it ensures that the village head (Kades) effectively uses the village's location, natural resources, and transport access in planning development projects. One identified issue is the lack of proper roads leading to the agricultural areas, which makes transport challenging.

What is the relationship between the BPD and the village government?

The BPD and the village government have a collaborative relationship. The BPD acts as a supervisory body, ensuring the village head implements policies in line with local regulations. Their cooperation is vital for the progress of the village's administration, with the BPD playing a key role in monitoring and supporting the village head's initiatives.

What are the primary challenges faced by Desa Sungai Baung in terms of development?

The primary challenges faced by Desa Sungai Baung include flooding in lowland areas, inadequate roads to access agricultural land, and ensuring consistent support from the community. Despite these challenges, the village's agriculture, particularly palm oil plantations, plays a significant role in the local economy.

How does the village leadership handle external threats or conflicts?

The village leadership handles external threats and conflicts through legal means and community mediation. If there are incidents such as theft or fights involving external parties, the local Babin (police) is involved. The village leadership uses legal frameworks to guide the resolution of conflicts.

Has Desa Sungai Baung involved its citizens in the development process?

Yes, the community has been significantly involved in the development process. The village has initiated programs where residents are encouraged to take responsibility for facilities built through village funds. There is a strong sense of community support for these initiatives.

What steps are being taken to ensure the village becomes more self-sufficient?

To promote self-sufficiency, the village leadership encourages the community to manage their own resources, including agricultural land and local initiatives. They support residents with farming tools, seeds, and fertilizers to help them cultivate the land more effectively, aiming to make the village more independent and less reliant on external aid.