The strategies for rural community empowerment according to law No. 6/2014: A case study of Kuaken Village, Timor Tengah Utara District, Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies used for rural community empowerment in Kuaken Village, Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) district, according to Law No. 6/2014 about village. A qualitative inquiry using in-depth interviews was used to collect the data from the study participants. They (n=12) were recruited using purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed using a qualitative data analysis framework. Results of this study indicated that rural community members were actively involved in formulating policies and regulations, supervising and monitoring program implementations, and in the development of the quality of human resources through various trainings. Transparency and accountability in the implementation of programs, and involvement of community and customary institutions in program implementation were also reported as the main supporting factors for rural community empowerment in Kuaken village. This study also reported lack of sustainable community assistances provided by program providers for beneficiaries in the village. Findings of the current study indicate the needs for improvement of community assistance in the village to provide them with guidance for program implementation. Coverage of more program beneficiaries in Kuaken village and other village in the district are also recommended.