The policy briefs represent the realization of a collaborative initiative between HMP PL ITB Komisariat and Lokalab.co as a platform for channeling evidence-based policy recommendations to the Government of Cirebon Regency. Conducted under the theme “Policy Recommendations for Cirebon Regency Development through Economic, Infrastructure, and Good Governance Initiatives” the studies were produced through the Loka Research program.

The Loka Research program involved 11 student authors and five advisors from Lokalab.co who provided guidance throughout the research process. The findings were subsequently presented to representatives from BAPPERIDA Cirebon, the Community and Village Empowerment Office (DPMD) of Cirebon, subdistrict administrations of Arjawinangun and Ciledug, as well as several village governments across the Cirebon Regency. Salman Aryadi, Head of the Loka Research Program, explained that the Loka Research aims to provide a platform for students to apply their academic knowledge while enhancing the tangible impact of HMP PL ITB Commissariat members as students of ITB Cirebon Campus through the implementation of the university’s Tri Dharma principles in surrounding communities.

In an interview, Salman Aryadi highlighted the core spirit behind the program. “The studies conducted through Loka Research were designed not merely to increase our publication output, but to contribute practical recommendations that can create meaningful impacts in society. Therefore, we wanted to ensure that the findings which were developed over a considerable period of time could be directly communicated to and meaningfully utilized by their target audience, the Government of Cirebon Regency,” he said.

The first policy brief addressed regional economic issues under the title “Low Labor Force Absorption and Constrained Investment in Cirebon Regency: Policy Recommendations for Inclusive Economic Development.” The study found that the growth of the labor force in Cirebon has not been matched by adequate job creation opportunities.

The other challenges including the lack of integration between vocational education institutions and local economic potential, the absence of an enacted Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR), and the limited implementation of structural reforms aimed at improving human capital quality have also hindered regional economic growth. This study recommends strengthening collaboration among government, industry, and educational institutions, diversifying economic resources, and enhancing workforce capacity development.

The second policy brief focused on educational area infrastructure provision and was titled “Safety and Feasibility Assessment of Road Infrastructure in the Arjawinangun Educational Area (ITB Cirebon Campus).” The findings indicate the need for improvements in both the availability and quality of infrastructure surrounding ITB Cirebon Campus, particularly pedestrian sidewalks, street lighting, and traffic signals, which were found to be insufficient to meet existing needs.

The study also identified challenges related to road safety standards and fragmented institutional responsibilities. Policy recommendations include accelerating the construction of a pedestrian overpass, improving street lighting systems, strengthening road safety measures along the Pantura highway segment, and implementing speed limit regulations within the educational zone.

The final policy brief examined governance issues through a study titled “Strengthening Village Governance to Improve the Effectiveness of Village Fund Utilization in Cirebon Regency.” The study found ongoing challenges related to coordination, supervision, and stakeholder capacity in village fund management. The research also highlighted the urgency of reallocating village funds to better support the development of local economic potential. To address these challenges, the study recommends reorienting village fund utilization toward productive economic activities, strengthening the capacity of village officials, increasing community participation, enhancing impact-based monitoring and evaluation systems, and reinforcing the role of subdistrict governments as coordinators of village development and supervision.

Kaleb Ohara, the team leader of the first policy brief, shared his reflections on the Loka Research program, “The policy brief research and dissemination process provided me with a valuable new learning experience. Although there is still much for me to learn about policy brief development, I am glad that the findings produced through Loka Research have received positive responses and are considered beneficial for the Government of Cirebon Regency.”

The research findings were met with strong enthusiasm from the Government of Cirebon Regency as an academic contribution to addressing regional development issues. Mr. Dangi, S.Si., M.Sc., M.T., Head of BAPPERIDA Cirebon, stated that the policy brief findings presented by the students could serve as valuable inputs for the region, particularly as considerations in development planning and spatial planning processes in Cirebon Regency. The initiative is expected to open more opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among regional stakeholders in addressing development and spatial challenges together.

Publication Attachment of Policy Brief: https://lokalab.org/risetdankajian/kajian

Reporter: Zeba Liqueiza Shakira Kudus (Urban and Regional Planning, 2022)