Major Amendments: The 2024 Village Law Revision

The recent revision of the Village Law marks a significant shift in rural governance in Indonesia. This amendment to Law Number 6 of 2014 introduces approximately 26 key changes. Initiated by the DPR, the draft was finalized as an initiative in July 2023 and officially ratified in late March 2024. These changes impact everything from environmental funding to official term limits and fiscal management.

1. Environmental Support (Article 5A)

A new provision allows villages located within nature reserves, production forests, or conservation areas to receive specialized Conservation and/or Rehabilitation Funds. This ensures that villages contributing to environmental preservation are financially supported by the state.

2. Social Security for Officials (Articles 26, 50A, & 62)

In a major move for welfare, the revised law now includes End-of-Service Benefits (Tunjangan Purnatugas). This one-time payment is granted to Village Heads, BPD members, and Village Apparatus at the end of their tenure, subject to the village’s financial capacity.

3. Election Procedures for Single Candidates (Article 34A)

To ensure democratic validity, the law clarifies the steps for Village Head Elections (Pilkades):

• There must be at least two candidates.
• If only one candidate registers, pendaftaran is extended by 15 days, and then by another 10 days if necessary.
• If only one candidate remains after all extensions, the BPD and the Election Committee may confirm the candidate through a consensus (musyawarah untuk mufakat) following specific government regulations.

4. Revised Term Limits (Article 39)

The tenure for a Village Head has been officially changed to 8 years per term. A Village Head is eligible to serve for a maximum of 2 terms, whether consecutively or non-consecutively.

5. Strengthened Village Revenue (Article 72)

The law redefines and reinforces village income sources:

• Allocation: The Village Fund (Dana Desa) is prioritized from the national budget to support village-based programs fairly.
• Regional Tax Shares: Villages are entitled to at least 10% of the regional taxes and levies collected by the Regency/City.
• ADD Minimum: The Village Fund Allocation (ADD) from the Regency budget must be at least 10% of the DAU (General Allocation Fund) and DBH (Revenue Sharing Fund).
• Fixed Income: 10% of the DAU is prioritized for paying the Fixed Income (Siltap) of village officials, transferred directly from the central government to the village account.

6. Transitional Provisions (Article 118)

To manage current officeholders, the law provides clear transition rules:

• Officials who have already served 2 terms under the old law may run for one additional term under the new 8-year rule.
• Those currently in their 1st or 2nd term will finish their remaining tenure according to the new law and are eligible for one more term.
• Village Heads ending their term in February 2024 are eligible for extensions as per this revision.

7. Monitoring and Reporting (Article 121A)

The Government is required to report the implementation of this revised law to the DPR’s legislative body no later than 3 years after its enactment to ensure accountability and effective rollout.

Strategic Governance Impact

The 2024 Revision is a pillar for Village SDG 16: Strong and Accountable Institutions. By extending term limits while securing the welfare of officials and ensuring fixed income stability, the law aims for more stable and professional village leadership. As we move through 2025, these regulations will be the primary benchmark for all Village Government planning and fiscal accountability.

Visit the Village Regulations page for official access.