Evaluation of the implementation of the COVID-19 response village in Kelambir Lima Kebun Village, Hamparan Perak District

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic really pushed for policy responses that happen at the community level throughout Indonesia. Because of that, the COVID-19 Response Village program was launched as a grassroots step, to cope with and dampen the spread of COVID-19 in the village, and it was guided by Circular Letter Number 8 , 2020 (so not just an idea, but a real guideline) Objective: In this study, the aim is to look at how the COVID-19 Response Village program was actually carried out in Kelambir Lima Kebun Village, Hamparan Perak District, Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia. More or less, we try to see what was done, and how well it matched what should have happened. Methods: This research used a descriptive qualitative design. The informants were chosen purposively, meaning they were picked based on their positions, as stakeholders, and also from village non governmental organizations that are connected to COVID-19 policy work. The participants include village heads, village officials, village health officers, community leaders, sub district officers, COVID-19 volunteer teams, and community members themselves. For collecting data, the study used in depth interviews, a literature review, and documentation. For the analysis, the steps involved data condensation, then data presentation , and finally drawing conclusions. Results: Overall, the implementation of the COVID-19 Response Village in Kelambir Lima Kebun Village appears to be broadly in line with the standards mentioned in Circular Letter Number 8, 2020. Programs that are cash intensive were confirmed to run, yet the results suggest the execution is still not at the most optimal level. Also, several obstacles came up, they basically slowed down effective implementation. Those included lack of sufficient budget allocations for the program, resistance from community members when it comes to behavioral and cultural adjustments related to COVID-19 protocols. Another issue was not enough inter agency coordination among the parties that are implementing the program. Conclusion: Even though the COVID-19 Response Village program in Kelambir Lima Kebun Village showed rather general alignment with national standards, its actual impact was kind of limited by financial constraints, sociocultural dynamics, and administrative issues. In order to make the next pandemic response at the village level more effective, it is suggested that budget allocations be strengthened, community health literacy be improved, and coordination among stakeholders be enhanced , so the efforts don’t end up scattered.