This community service activity aimed to facilitate public participation in the planned development of a People's School in Tikonu Village, Wundulako District, Kolaka Regency. The activity was conducted on April 8, 2026, through a public consultation, presentation of the development plan and potential impacts, an open discussion, and questionnaire-based interviews with 65 respondents. The data were analysed descriptively by classifying socioeconomic characteristics, awareness, expectations, suggestions, concerns, social acceptance, and willingness to participate as workers. The results showed that 81.54% of respondents were aware of the development plan, 87.69% supported it, and 78.46% were willing to work if suitable opportunities were available. Community support was mainly driven by expectations of improved educational access, reduced school dropout, job creation, and local economic growth. Nevertheless, residents emphasised the protection of water sources, control of dust and noise, waste management, preservation of access to farmland, bridge improvement, information transparency, and priority for local workers and businesses. Public consultation functioned effectively as a two-way communication forum and helped establish initial social acceptance. Sustaining community support requires a grievance mechanism, meaningful participation in planning, implementation and monitoring, transparent local recruitment, and consistent environmental management.
Copyrights © 2026