Village Development Planning in Indonesia: Strengthening Musrenbangdes Participation to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs Desa)

Abstract

Village development planning has become a central instrument for strengthening local governance and promoting sustainable development in Indonesia. Through the Musyawarah Perencanaan Pembangunan Desa (Musrenbangdes), communities are encouraged to articulate their priorities, influence development policies, and engage in collaborative decision-making with village governments. This article examines how village development planning practices—particularly community participation in Musrenbangdes—are aligned with the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs Desa). Drawing on findings from studies conducted in Tumbang Bantian Village and several villages in Bandung Regency, this paper highlights the dynamics of participation, the institutional mechanisms that shape deliberative processes, and the extent to which village planning contributes to SDGs indicators such as poverty reduction, improved governance, inclusive institutions, and sustainable community welfare. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach to synthesize empirical observations and theoretical perspectives. The discussion demonstrates that while Musrenbangdes has served as a vital democratic instrument at the village level, the quality of participation varies across contexts and often depends on capacity, facilitation, and institutional commitment. The article concludes that strengthening participatory mechanisms and aligning village development planning with SDGs Desa targets are essential to ensuring accountable, inclusive, and sustainable rural development.