Evaluating village fund allocation policy management through an input-based approach: Evidence from Buol regency, Indonesia

Village Fund Allocation has become a strategic instrument for strengthening rural development, improving public services, and promoting community welfare through fiscal decentralization. However, the effectiveness of village fund management depends not only on financial resources but also on the quality of institutional and social inputs supporting policy implementation. This study aimed to evaluate the input dimension of the Village Fund Allocation policy in Buol Regency, focusing on the capacity of village apparatuses and community participation in village fund management.This study employed a qualitative approach using a policy evaluation framework. Data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis involving village government officials, local government representatives, village facilitators, and community members. The data were analyzed through systematic evaluation procedures emphasizing the assessment of policy inputs.The findings reveal that the effectiveness of Village Fund Allocation management is strongly influenced by the administrative capacity of village officials and the level of public participation. Village apparatuses generally possess the institutional structure required for policy implementation; however, limitations remain in development planning, data utilization, analytical competence, and monitoring and evaluation practices. In addition, community participation is evident in village deliberation forums and development planning processes, but it is often procedural rather than substantive. Limited access to information, insufficient understanding of budgeting mechanisms, and weak involvement in monitoring activities constrain the effectiveness of participatory governance. These conditions reduce the ability of village governments to optimize the developmental impact of village funds and ensure accountability.The study concludes that strengthening village apparatus capacity and enhancing meaningful community participation are critical prerequisites for improving Village Fund Allocation policy effectiveness. These findings contribute to policy evaluation literature by highlighting the importance of input factors as the foundation for successful village governance and sustainable rural development.