Mastering Village Authority: The Foundation of Autonomous Local Governance

The strength of a village lies in its ability to manage its own affairs independently. To achieve this, every village government is mandated to establish a Village Regulation (Perdes) regarding Village Authority. As outlined in Ministry of Home Affairs Regulation (Permendagri) Number 44 of 2016, this regulation defines the powers based on original rights (*hak asal-usul*) and local-scale village authority. Establishing these legal boundaries is the first step toward professional and accountable Local Governance.

Village Authority encompasses the rights and duties owned by the village, which include original rights, local-scale village authority, and tasks delegated by the National, Provincial, or Regional Governments. By codifying these powers into a Perdes, the village ensures that every development program and administrative action has a solid legal basis, protecting the interests of both the government and the community.

Classification of Village Authority

Under the current Local Governance framework, the powers exercised by a village are categorized into four distinct types. Understanding these classifications is essential for proper budget allocation and strategic planning.

1. Authority Based on Original Rights (Hak Asal-Usul)

This category respects the historical and traditional roots of the village. For a robust Local Governance system, this authority includes at least:

• Systems of customary community organization.
• Development and strengthening of community institutions.
• Management and preservation of customary laws and institutions.
• Management of village treasury lands (*tanah kas desa*).
• Enhancing the active role of the village community in cultural preservation.

2. Local-Scale Village Authority

This is the “operational heart” of Village Authority, focusing on the day-to-day management of village-scale assets and services. It typically involves:

• Management of boat moorings and village markets.
• Supervision of public bathing places and irrigation networks.
• Maintenance of the residential environment and sanitation.
• Public health development and the management of Posyandu.
• Development of art studios and community learning centers.
• Management of village libraries, reading rooms, and small-scale dams (*embung*).
• Provision of village-scale drinking water and farm-to-market roads.

3. Delegated Authority

These are specific tasks assigned to the village by the National, Provincial, or Regency governments to support broader development goals. This Village Authority covers four main sectors:

• General administration of Village Governance.
• Implementation of Village Development projects.
• Community development and social guidance.
• Empowerment of village residents.

4. Other Mandated Authorities

This includes any other specific duties assigned by higher levels of government in accordance with the latest laws and regulations. This flexible category ensures that Local Governance can adapt to emerging national priorities, such as digital transformation or environmental sustainability initiatives.

Implementation and Financial Procedures

The execution of these authorities requires more than just a decree; it requires a structured implementation plan. The procedure for carrying out delegated tasks, including the formation of working groups and funding mechanisms, follows the principles of concurrent government affairs. This means that when a higher government level delegates a task to the village, the necessary funding and support systems must follow *mutatis mutandis*, or with the necessary changes, to ensure the Village Authority is not just a burden but a funded mandate.

Proper Local Governance ensures that these funds are managed through the Village Budget (APBDes) with high transparency. When the village clearly defines its authority, it prevents overlapping jurisdictions with the regency government, allowing for more precise service delivery to the residents.

Conclusion: Empowering the Community Through Legal Clarity

In conclusion, the Perdes on Village Authority is the “Constitution” of the village. It provides the legal certainty needed to manage resources, protect traditions, and drive local progress. By mastering the scope of Village Authority, local leaders can build a more resilient and self-reliant community, ensuring that Local Governance remains rooted in the needs and history of the village.

A well-drafted regulation today creates a legacy of empowerment for the future. Every village stakeholder should collaborate to ensure their Village Authority is clearly defined, legally sound, and effectively implemented.

Visit the Village Regulations page for official access.