Strategic Governance: Techniques for Drafting the 2026 Village RKP and Amending the RPJM Desa

Village development planning plays a crucial role in achieving national development goals. Every village in Indonesia is mandated to draft a Village Government Work Plan (RKP Desa), which serves as an annual breakdown of the Village Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJM Desa). For the 2026 planning cycle, the integration of local programs with national policies—specifically the new 8-year tenure for Village Heads under Law No. 3 of 2024—is essential for ensuring professional and sustainable growth across the entire community.

The Evolution of RKP Desa and RPJM Desa Periodization

The RKP Desa is an annual planning document detailing priority programs derived from the Village Consultation (Musdes) results. Meanwhile, the RPJM Desa is a strategic document that now spans an eight-year period. This adjustment is vital for synchronizing village planning with the Village Law and Permendagri No. 114 of 2014, allowing Village Heads to focus on long-term impacts without the disruption of frequent leadership cycles.

Synchronizing RPJM Desa with Regional Planning (RPJMD)

The extension of the Village Head’s tenure necessitates a re-evaluation of current 2026 RKP Desa documents. This change aims to align village strategies with the five-year Regional Medium-Term Development Plans (RPJMD). By maintaining a consistent planning horizon, villages can ensure that their infrastructure, social, and economic projects remain stable and inclusive for all residents.

Legal Foundations and Regulatory Compliance

The drafting process for the 2026 RKP and the amendment of the RPJM Desa must adhere to the following legal pillars:

• Law No. 6 of 2014 (Village Law): Establishing village authority in development planning.
• Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025: Outlining the 2025-2029 RPJMN priorities as a national compass.
• Permendagri No. 114 of 2014: Providing the technical “how-to” for village planning procedures.

Step-by-Step Drafting Process for the 2026 RKP

The 2026 cycle begins in June and must be finalized by September of the preceding year. The steps include:

1. Establishing the Drafting Team: Comprising village officials, BPD members, and diverse community representatives.
2. Analyzing the Indicative Ceiling: Reviewing the budget allocations provided by the Regency/City.
3. Formulating the Draft: Based on Musdes results and available resources.
4. Musrenbangdes: The Village Development Planning Consultation to discuss the draft with the public.
5. Finalization: Enacting the RKP through a Village Regulation (Perdes).

Adapting to Extraordinary Circumstances

Per Article 49 of Permendagri 114/2014, the RKP Desa can be amended if fundamental events occur, such as natural disasters or shifts in national policy. This flexibility ensures that the village administration remains resilient and responsive to the community’s immediate needs.

Digital Transformation in Village Planning

Modern planning now involves Information Technology. Systems like SIPD, integrated with platforms such as Krisna and SAKTI, facilitate transparent data exchange between the central government and the village. This digital approach enhances the accuracy and accountability of the 2026 planning data.

Integrating the 8 Asta Cita Missions

The 2026 RKP must be guided by the 8 Asta Cita Missions, which include:

• Strengthening Pancasila ideology and Human Rights.
• Achieving food, energy, and water self-sufficiency.
• Developing high-quality jobs and infrastructure.
• Enhancing Human Resources, health, and gender equality.
• Promoting village-based economic growth and poverty eradication.
• Strengthening political, legal, and anti-corruption reforms.

Priority Programs and Rapid Outcomes

To support national targets, villages must incorporate 17 Priority Programs and 8 Rapid Outcome Programs. These include direct-impact initiatives such as free nutritious meals for students, affordable housing for the underprivileged, and improved village health facilities.

2025 National Priority Targets

The 2026 planning must align with the 6 Primary Targets set for 2025, focusing on reducing poverty rates, increasing the middle-class population, and expanding social security coverage for workers. These targets form the bedrock of sustainable national development.

Conclusion

Drafting the 2026 RKP Desa and adjusting the RPJM Desa is a critical step in ensuring that village development aligns with national and regional visions. This process requires inclusive participation, strict adherence to regulations, and the use of modern technology to build a professional and efficient village government.