Strengthen the capacity of the Agriculture Service

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 13 views

Impact of Regional Autonomy on PPL Performance: Case Study of Penyabungan District and Siabu Mandailing Natal Regency

Introduction

Regional autonomy is a policy that has been implemented in many countries to give more authority to local governments to regulate and manage resources and policies in their territory. This policy aims to improve the performance of local governments and increase the participation of the community in decision-making processes. However, the implementation of regional autonomy also brings challenges and obstacles that must be overcome. This article will discuss the impact of regional autonomy on the performance of Field Agricultural Extension Workers (PPL) in Penyabungan District and Siabu Mandailing Natal Regency.

Background

Regional autonomy is a policy that has been implemented in Indonesia since 2001. This policy gives more authority to local governments to regulate and manage resources and policies in their territory. In this context, a study was conducted by Aisyah Ramadhani NST to evaluate the impact of regional autonomy on the performance of PPL in Penyabungan District and Siabu Mandailing Natal Regency. The study was conducted between May and July 2004, guided by Mrs. Ir. Lily Fauzia, MSi and Mr. Ir. Hasudungan Butar-Butar, MSi.

Methodology

The study used a qualitative approach to collect data from the field. The researcher conducted interviews with PPL, farmers, and local government officials to gather information about the impact of regional autonomy on the performance of PPL. The researcher also collected data from secondary sources, such as reports and documents from the local government and the Department of Agriculture.

Results

The results of the study showed that in the last three years, there was an increase in the number of agricultural extension workers, the number of farmer groups, and land area in Mandailing Natal Regency. This indicates the existence of good potential in the development of the agricultural sector in the region. However, although there is an increase in the amount of PPL and farmer groups, the performance of the Department of Agriculture actually decreased from a high level of performance to a moderate level of performance after the enactment of regional autonomy.

Discussion

A more in-depth analysis shows that the main cause of this decline in performance is the problem of funding. When regional autonomy is implemented, the allocation of funds received by the Agriculture Service is not proportional to the number of tasks and responsibilities that must be carried out. As a result, many programs and activities that should be carried out by the Department of Agriculture are hampered or not even carried out at all. This has the potential to disrupt the sustainability of counseling programs that are important for farmers, which in turn can have a negative impact on agricultural products and regional economy.

Furthermore, the decline in the performance of the Department of Agriculture also shows inadequacy in the management of human resources and structural at the regional level. With the existence of regional autonomy, local governments should be more flexible and responsive in managing resources and designing programs that are in accordance with the needs of the community. However, challenges in managing funds and capacity building are still an issue that needs attention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although regional autonomy brings some positive changes, challenges in management and funding remain an obstacle that must be overcome to improve the performance of PPL and support the welfare of farmers in the regions. To improve the performance of PPL in Penyabungan and Siabu sub-districts, it is important for local governments to evaluate the financial management system and strengthen the capacity of the Agriculture Service. Effective counseling and strengthening cooperation between the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Groups, and other related parties need to be optimized to achieve the goals of sustainable agricultural development.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Strengthen the capacity of the Agriculture Service: The local government should provide training and capacity building for the Agriculture Service to improve their skills and knowledge in managing resources and designing programs.
Improve the financial management system: The local government should evaluate the financial management system and make necessary adjustments to ensure that the allocation of funds is proportional to the number of tasks and responsibilities that must be carried out.
Enhance cooperation between the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Groups, and other related parties: The local government should strengthen cooperation between the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Groups, and other related parties to achieve the goals of sustainable agricultural development.
Increase the participation of the community in decision-making processes: The local government should increase the participation of the community in decision-making processes to ensure that the needs of the community are met.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in only two sub-districts, Penyabungan District and Siabu Mandailing Natal Regency. Secondly, the study only collected data from the field and did not use secondary data. Finally, the study only focused on the impact of regional autonomy on the performance of PPL and did not consider other factors that may affect the performance of PPL.

Future Research Directions

Future research should consider the following directions:

Conduct a study in other regions: Future research should conduct a study in other regions to see if the findings of this study are applicable to other areas.
Use secondary data: Future research should use secondary data to supplement the data collected from the field.
Consider other factors that may affect the performance of PPL: Future research should consider other factors that may affect the performance of PPL, such as the level of education and training of PPL, the availability of resources, and the level of support from the community.

References

Aisyah Ramadhani NST. (2004). Impact of Regional Autonomy on the Performance of PPL. Unpublished thesis, University of North Sumatra.

Department of Agriculture. (2004). Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture. Mandailing Natal Regency.

Local Government of Mandailing Natal Regency. (2004). Annual Report of the Local Government of Mandailing Natal Regency. Mandailing Natal Regency.
Q&A: Impact of Regional Autonomy on PPL Performance

Introduction

Regional autonomy is a policy that has been implemented in many countries to give more authority to local governments to regulate and manage resources and policies in their territory. This policy aims to improve the performance of local governments and increase the participation of the community in decision-making processes. However, the implementation of regional autonomy also brings challenges and obstacles that must be overcome. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the impact of regional autonomy on PPL performance.

Q: What is regional autonomy?

A: Regional autonomy is a policy that gives more authority to local governments to regulate and manage resources and policies in their territory. This policy aims to improve the performance of local governments and increase the participation of the community in decision-making processes.

Q: How does regional autonomy affect PPL performance?

A: The implementation of regional autonomy can have both positive and negative effects on PPL performance. On the one hand, regional autonomy can provide more resources and flexibility for PPL to carry out their duties. On the other hand, regional autonomy can also lead to a decline in PPL performance due to inadequate funding and management.

Q: What are the main challenges faced by PPL in implementing regional autonomy?

A: The main challenges faced by PPL in implementing regional autonomy include inadequate funding, inadequate management, and inadequate capacity building. PPL may not have the necessary resources and skills to carry out their duties effectively, which can lead to a decline in PPL performance.

Q: How can PPL improve their performance in the context of regional autonomy?

A: PPL can improve their performance in the context of regional autonomy by strengthening their capacity building, improving their financial management, and enhancing their cooperation with other stakeholders. PPL should also increase their participation in decision-making processes and engage with the community to better understand their needs and expectations.

Q: What role can local governments play in supporting PPL performance?

A: Local governments can play a crucial role in supporting PPL performance by providing adequate funding, improving their management, and enhancing their capacity building. Local governments should also increase their participation in decision-making processes and engage with the community to better understand their needs and expectations.

Q: How can the community contribute to improving PPL performance?

A: The community can contribute to improving PPL performance by increasing their participation in decision-making processes, engaging with PPL to better understand their needs and expectations, and providing feedback and suggestions for improvement. The community can also support PPL by providing resources and assistance to help them carry out their duties effectively.

Q: What are the benefits of regional autonomy for PPL performance?

A: The benefits of regional autonomy for PPL performance include increased flexibility and resources, improved management, and enhanced capacity building. Regional autonomy can also lead to increased participation of the community in decision-making processes, which can help to improve PPL performance.

Q: What are the limitations of regional autonomy for PPL performance?

A: The limitations of regional autonomy for PPL performance include inadequate funding, inadequate management, and inadequate capacity building. Regional autonomy can also lead to a decline in PPL performance due to inadequate resources and skills.

Conclusion

Regional autonomy is a policy that has both positive and negative effects on PPL performance. While regional autonomy can provide more resources and flexibility for PPL to carry out their duties, it can also lead to a decline in PPL performance due to inadequate funding and management. To improve PPL performance in the context of regional autonomy, PPL should strengthen their capacity building, improve their financial management, and enhance their cooperation with other stakeholders. Local governments and the community can also play a crucial role in supporting PPL performance by providing adequate funding, improving their management, and engaging with the community to better understand their needs and expectations.