Recent research conducted by Syofyan Hadi from Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya highlights significant challenges in the implementation of Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 111 of 2014, which provides technical guidelines for the formation of village regulations. This study, focused on Bedahlawak Village in Jombang Regency, reveals that the local government is struggling to effectively adopt these guidelines, which are crucial for establishing legally binding village regulations.
The research indicates that many village regulation makers lack awareness of the guidelines set forth in Permendagri No.111/2014. As a result, regulations that fail to adhere to these standards do not possess formal legal force. Hadi’s findings emphasize that community participation in the regulatory drafting process is minimal, which further exacerbates the problem. He notes, “The lack of community participation in the process of drafting village regulations is one of the main factors hindering effective implementation.”
Moreover, the study points to a gap in knowledge among both the Village Government and the Village Consultative Body regarding the technical guidelines. This lack of understanding is compounded by insufficient training and assistance from the Jombang Regency Government, which has not provided adequate support to the Bedahlawak Village Government in navigating the regulatory framework.
For the energy sector, the implications of this research are significant. Village regulations can play a crucial role in local energy governance, including the promotion of renewable energy projects and sustainable practices. If villages like Bedahlawak can effectively implement these regulations, they could pave the way for initiatives that enhance energy efficiency, promote local renewable energy sources, and attract investments in energy infrastructure.
The opportunity for commercial stakeholders lies in the potential to engage with local governments to provide training and resources that align with Permendagri No.111/2014. By supporting capacity-building efforts, energy companies can help villages create robust regulatory frameworks that not only comply with national guidelines but also facilitate the development of sustainable energy projects.
As Hadi concludes, the need for better training and community engagement is critical: “Without proper guidance and involvement from the community, the formation of effective village regulations will remain a challenge.” This underscores the importance of collaboration between local governments, communities, and the private sector to unlock the potential of village regulations in the energy landscape. The findings of this research were published in ‘DiH’, shedding light on an area that holds promise for both local governance and the energy sector.
