Pendamping desa (village mentor) as a community manager: a case study of the role of pendamping desa in empowering community and local institution through communication approach in the province of Riau, Indonesia

摘要

Introduction: Statistics shows that until 2015 around 25% of the Riau people are still living in poverty. Two possible causes are the poor's lack of local access to financial institutions and low capability to solve poverty. Riau provincial government has introduced a community-based microfinance institution called Village Empowerment Program which includes economic empowerment, to be organized by local people. To ensure that the new local institutions are effective and community empowerment is achieved, the government appointed pendamping desa (village mentor). This study aims to understand the role of pendamping desa in empowering local community and institutions through communication approach. Method: This research focuses on four different parts in Riau province. Data were collected through interviews with six informants who directly involved with the UED-SP program. Results: Pendamping Desa are university graduates who are recommended by village leaders to be selected, appointed, trained by the provincial government and placed in areas close to their areas of origin. Communication skills of pendamping desa becomes the most important factor in improving community acceptance and in implementing community empowerment, and they also became a bridge between elements of society and simultaneously drives the various activities to increase the capability of local communities and institution. A participatory approach is the most suitable technique in empowering community and building the UED-SP institution. Conclusion: Communication skill of pendamping desa plays a significant role in connecting all parties involved in community empowerment activities.