Desa Berdaya Funds Disbursed, Villages to Receive Rp300-500 Million Each
The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provincial government has begun disbursing Rp128 billion under the Desa Berdaya Programme to 257 villages, with 217 thematic villages receiving Rp300 million and 40 transformative villages receiving Rp500 million each. Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal stressed strict oversight to ensure funds are used appropriately.
“There are 217 thematic villages receiving Rp300 million and 40 transformative villages receiving Rp500 million,” Iqbal said during the Special Financial Assistance ceremony for the Desa Berdaya Thematic Programme in Mataram on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Iqbal confirmed the Desa Berdaya assistance is not in the form of a specific programme but direct funds. The funds will be disbursed based on village governments’ proposals following village consultation meetings (musdes).
“We must be clear: if they fail, the funding will not continue. Many say villages are untrustworthy, but we believe this Rp300 million must have an impact on the community,” he stressed.
Iqbal stated the NTB provincial government will review all village proposals submitted as a condition for fund disbursement. He said the right programmes must align with community needs.
“This means the selected programmes must drive socio-economic development in villages, reducing poverty. It must align with the pre-established menu of programmes,” stressed the former Indonesian ambassador to Turkey.
The governor, born in Praya, Central Lombok, said Desa Berdaya funds must be managed properly, with all village heads required to maintain administrative discipline from planning to budget execution.
“This will prevent future issues. I am confident village heads can manage the funds well,” he stressed.
To ensure proper targeting, Iqbal demanded all receiving village heads allocate funds according to usage mechanisms, with Desa Berdaya funds used only after musdes involving all local stakeholders.
“We require all stakeholders to discuss needs and reach consensus. Proposals are then submitted for review to confirm alignment with village needs before agreements are made on fund transfers for specific purposes,” he said.
Iqbal confirmed Desa Berdaya Thematic funds cannot be freely used by village heads, who must manage them directly according to village needs.
“Regency governments, village mentors, and the province all monitor together. Everyone is involved in oversight,” Iqbal said.
According to Iqbal, fund allocation starts from the village level upwards. After programmes are drafted via musdes, villages manage the funds themselves.
“We have prepared a guideline book with programme options like poultry packages or tourism villages. The menu is already set; that’s a separate matter,” he said.
Iqbal warned that fictitious programmes proposed by villages would be noted. “We must not speculate. We entrust them, and have established financial management and accountability mechanisms with training to ensure proper fund handling,” he added.
Separately, Sintung Village Head Herman in Central Lombok said the Rp300 million would improve physical infrastructure to support agriculture and tourism.
“We will use it for lighting and security at Sintung Park. We hope the programme continues annually,” he added.