Journal of Economic, Business, and Administration JEBA
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Economics, Business and Administration (JEBA)

THE AGRARIAN POVERTY PARADOX AND GOVERNANCE FRAGILITY: EVALUATING RURAL SOCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER DECENTRALIZED OVERSIGHT

Zohrawati Buntuang Mutia (Universitas Bina Mandiri Gorontalo)
Ely Ibrahim (Universitas Bina Mandiri Gorontalo)
Siskawaty Yahya (Universitas Bina Mandiri Gorontalo)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jun 2026

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) Evaluate the effectiveness and targeting accuracy of the government's social assistance program in Sukma Village, Botupingge District, Bone Bolango Regency; 2) Analyze the coordination and oversight dynamics between the Village Government and the Village Representative Body (BPD); and 3) Identify the administrative and sociological factors hindering the program from reducing poverty rates. This study employs a qualitative approach with an intrinsic case study design. Data were collected through field observations, documentation, and structured interviews with key informants (Village Head, Village Secretary, BPD, Hamlet Rulers, and farming households). The results indicate that the implementation of the social assistance program in Sukma Village is currently suboptimal, facing a profound socio-economic poverty paradox. This ineffectiveness is driven by rigid, macro-level national poverty indicators that fail to match the volatile economic realities of corn and bean farmers. Institutionally, the functional shift of the BPD from an independent watchdog into an advisory partner has weakened the local system of checks and balances, reducing the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) verification into a mere administrative formality. Furthermore, acute digital infrastructure deficits (only 3 laptops available) and a deeply embedded dependency mindset among residents—who view aid as a permanent subsidy act as primary barriers stalling rural economic independence. The findings suggest that a shift toward rights-based participatory governance and comprehensive village data digitalization is required to optimize targeting efficiency.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JEBA

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences Other

Description

The Journal of Economics, Business and Administration (JEBA) is professionally managed to help academics, researchers and practitioners to disseminate their research results. Journal of Economics, Business and Administration (JEBA) is a peer-reviewed blind journal dedicated to the publication of ...