Transformasi Desa Ponggok: Praktik Baik Tata Kelola dalam Pembangunan Desa Wisata Berkelanjutan

Abstract

Local democracy in developing countries often faces serious challenges, such as weak institutional capacity, low accountability, and citizen participation that tends to be symbolic. This study analyzes Ponggok Village, Klaten, Central Java, as an example of democratic governance transformation through the institutional strengthening of the Village-Owned Enterprise (or known as BUMDes) Tirta Mandiri. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, document analysis, and participatory observations. The results show that Ponggok has succeeded in operationalizing the principles of transparency, accountability, participation, and sustainability in village development. The Village Deliberation Forum serves as a deliberative forum that ensures citizen involvement in decision-making, while the distribution of benefits is carried out fairly through the reinvestment of BUMDes profits into education, health, and local economic empowerment programs. This success demonstrates the importance of integrating social, economic, and institutional dimensions into sustainable development. Moreover, the Ponggok model offers potential for replication in villages in developing countries with adjustments to local social, cultural, and resource contexts. This study contributes to the literature on democratic and collaborative governance and provides practical recommendations for more participatory and inclusive village development policies.