Putting people in the proper position on policy process in rural area: A deliberation and empowerment process in village level of Indonesia

Faculty of Social and Political Sciences University of Jenderal Soedirman

(sukarso_upb@yahoo.co.id)
(swasthadharma@gmail.com)
(nikenpd@yahoo.co.id)

Abstract

In public policy discourse, especially the classic one, the position of society as a policy target group is often, therefore, an object of policy even in some contemporary references. The position as an object thus tends to be relatively weak compared to other positions. A top-down policy process tends to put people in a weak bargaining position. On the other hand, empowerment policies often define target groups as groups that seem to be independent and sterile from other groups. From this assumption, this study tries to formulate an empowerment model that can reposition the “target group” of the policy from objects to subjects, including redefining “target groups” into compliancers, say it is, it refers to a multi group who has to comply to the policy with deferent ways. The research method uses a case study approach with data collection techniques are in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The results of the study get an empowerment policy model that is more deliberative and comprehensive than a partial one. This model is different from the existing models so far, both from the formulator, output, delivery system, and of course the “target group” of the policy.