CHALLENGES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VILLAGE CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL’S FUNCTIONS IN NENDALI VILLAGE, JAYAPURA REGENCY

Under Papua’s special autonomy regime, the Village Consultative Council (Badan Musyawarah Kampung, Bamuskam) serves as the legislative body of the kampung. It is responsible for deliberating on kampung regulations, channelling community aspirations, and overseeing the performance of the kampung head. In practice, however, its functions are often poorly implemented. This study aims to examine how the Bamuskam performs its functions in the governance of Kampung Nendali, East Sentani District, Jayapura Regency, to identify the problems it faces, and to propose measures to strengthen its effectiveness. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews with purposively selected informants, a joint forum with Bamuskam members, and document analysis. The data were analysed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The field findings were then interpreted against Law No. 21 of 2001, Law No. 6 of 2014, Minister of Home Affairs Regulation No. 110 of 2016, and the relevant literature. The results show that two interrelated problems constrain the Bamuskam’s functions: limited human resource capacity, reflected in members’ incomplete understanding of their duties and legal basis, and weak coordination with the kampung government. If left unaddressed, these problems risk leaving the legislative function dormant, weakening oversight of village funds, and eroding community participation. The study concludes that strengthening the Bamuskam requires three measures. The first is sustained, practice-oriented capacity development by the regency government in partnership with universities. The second is institutionalised coordination through regular joint meetings, genuinely deliberative musyawarah kampung, and consistent written reporting by the kampung head. The third is a dedicated operational budget. Once these measures are in place, the Bamuskam can act as an effective partner and check on the kampung government, fostering participatory and accountable kampung governance.