Village Leadership Standards: Achieving Constitutional Compliance & Local Leadership Sustainability

The evolution of village democracy requires constant regulatory updates to align with national legal developments. Regional Regulation (Perda) Situbondo Number 2 of 2019 regarding Village Heads is the definitive instrument for Constitutional Compliance. This regulation was enacted following the Constitutional Court (MK) Decision No. 128/PUU-XIII/2015, which declared certain residency requirements in the Village Law unconstitutional. By harmonizing local rules with Permendagri 65/2017 and the 1945 Constitution, Situbondo ensures Local Leadership Sustainability while integrating technology to realize a more democratic and inclusive election process (Pilkades).

Defining the Authority of the Village Head

Under this updated regulation, the Village Head is defined not only as an administrator but as a pivotal leader in the state hierarchy:

1. The Village Head is a Village Government official with the authority, duty, and obligation to organize the village’s household affairs and execute tasks assigned by the National and Regional Governments.
2. The Village Head serves as the Head of the Village Administration, leading the execution of governance as the state’s closest representative to the people and as a community leader.
3. The Village Head is mandated to organize Village Government, implement Village Development, facilitate Community Guidance, and drive Community Empowerment.

Ensuring Accountability: Provisions for Dismissal

To maintain high-resolution Local Leadership Sustainability, the regulation provides strict legal grounds for the dismissal of a Village Head, ensuring that the office remains honorable and functional:

1. Expiration of the term of office.
2. Inability to perform duties continuously or permanent disability for six (6) consecutive months.
3. No longer meeting the legal requirements to serve as a Village Head.
4. Violating the prohibitions established for Village Heads.
5. Changes in village status (becoming a Kelurahan), the merger of two or more villages, or the abolition of a village.
6. Failure to perform the mandatory obligations of a Village Head.
7. Being declared a convict based on a court decision that has permanent legal force (inkracht).

Harmonization with Regional Standards

Perda Situbondo 2/2019 serves as the essential amendment to Perda Situbondo Number 9 of 2015. This adjustment was necessary to ensure that local elections are no longer hampered by discriminatory residency clauses that were previously struck down by the Constitutional Court. This legal certainty protects the rights of all citizens to run for office, thereby strengthening the democratic fabric of the village.

Conclusion: Institutionalizing Democratic Integrity

In conclusion, Perda Situbondo 2/2019 is the definitive instrument for Constitutional Compliance and Local Leadership Sustainability. It transitions village elections into a modern era where legal certainty and technological utilization meet community aspirations. By adhering to these standards, the Situbondo Regency Government ensures that every Village Head is elected through a fair process and remains accountable throughout their tenure. A strong legal foundation is the prerequisite for a prosperous and well-governed village.

Visit the Village Regulations page for official access.