American Journal of Economic and Management Business p-ISSN: XXXX-XXXX e-ISSN: 2835-5199 Vol. 4 No. 9 September 2025 1586 The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government Triwarno Purnomo*, Daniel D. Kameo, Gatot Sasongko Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Indonesia Email: triwarnopurnomo09@gmail.com* Abstract Special autonomy aims to equalize the development status of Papua, especially Jayapura Regency, with other regions so that it is on par with them. The purpose of this study is to assess the distribution of special autonomy funds to recipient communities from the perspective of active community participation in realizing the goals of decentralized autonomy received by the Papuan government. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. To assess special autonomy assistance—particularly productive economic assistance and community participation involvement—the author employs a research theory approach (Duncan, 2019). The levels of community participation include six categories: (1) Manipulation, (2) Information, (3) Consultation, (4) Partnership, (5) Delegation, and (6) Citizen Control. Field research results indicate that community participation in the Musrenbang process is quite strong, but beneficiaries exhibit only a moderate level of participation during the implementation of activity programs. Another obstacle is the lack of beneficiary participation in benefit management. Additionally, beneficiaries face difficulties marketing plantation, livestock, and agricultural products. This research hopes to address the challenges faced in the planning and implementation of special autonomy. Furthermore, it aims to provide recommendations for improving the management policies of the Jayapura Regency Government. Keywords: Special Autonomy, Jayapura Regency Community Participation INTRODUCTION Although Papua’s Special Autonomy was normatively designed to enhance community participation, in practice its implementation in Jayapura Regency still faces obstacles. Studies show that the management of Special Autonomy funds lacks transparency, accountability, and meaningful involvement of Indigenous Papuans (OAP) in both planning forums (Musrenbang) and program implementation (Mesak, 2016; Salle, 2016). Women’s participation is particularly low due to cultural and educational barriers that limit their voice in decision-making processes (Fatimah et al., 2021). Furthermore, weak institutional arrangements and unclear regulations have reduced the effectiveness of autonomy in addressing local needs (Hasibuan, 2022). Public monitoring remains minimal, and reporting mechanisms are often absent, leading to ineffective fund utilization (Mesak, 2016; Salle, 2016). As a result, scholars argue that Special Autonomy has not The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1587 yet achieved its intended goal of strengthening welfare and inclusive governance for Papuans (Prabowo, 2021). Special Autonomy programs have failed to significantly improve the quality of life for Indigenous Papuans (OAP), with low community participation—particularly among OAP—being a primary obstacle. Community inputs often remain mere formalities during planning forums and are seldom substantively incorporated into policy documents (Chasib, 2025; Sukmalalana et al., 2020). Participatory mechanisms remain dominated by bureaucracy and local elites, leaving the community with insufficient space (Purwoko et al., 2020; Policy Analysis, 2024). Moreover, there persists a gap between regulations and real-world implementation, compounded by weak transparency and limited communication between local governments and beneficiaries (Sarjito, 2025; Policy Analysis, 2024). These challenges underline why, despite legal frameworks, Special Autonomy has yet to deliver meaningful welfare improvements for OAP. Based on the author's allegations, in this decade the government built the Papua region, with special autonomy, Papua was built through a long struggle. The achievement of Special Autonomy is still far from expectations, Papua is still quite behind other regions outside Papua, and this is a difficult task for the Central Government to fix and make the focus of the Central Government's work program. The lack of optimal economic affirmation for OAP business actors, one of the dimensions of the cause is, because the community is still vulnerable to unbalanced competition and has not received adequate access and protection. The management of Special Autonomy funds in Jayapura Regency, based on a study of several literature on formal community participation, is still low, especially in the implementation stage and the use of funds for the economic sector (Musa'ad, 2010). From the results of the literature review and evaluation, it is stated that the programs financed through the Special Autonomy fund have not been able to significantly improve the quality of life of OAPs. One of the fundamental obstacles that often arise in academic studies and evaluation results is low level of community participation, especially OAP, in the planning process to the implementation of Special Autonomy policies (Daniati, 2019). One of the main causes is the lack of transparency in communication in the management of these funds, in this case the local government with the beneficiaries. Many residents do not have access to information about the types of activity programs carried out, nor the amount of budget allocated. This condition not only hinders the effectiveness of development programs, but also reduces accountability and public trust in local governments. (Daniati, 2019) The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1588 The Special Autonomy Policy (Otsus) in Papua, including in Jayapura Regency, was realized as an affirmative step to accelerate development and empower the community, in practice the policy has not been fully able to meet expectations. One of the important dimensions in the successful implementation of Special Autonomy is the active participation of the community in the process of planning, implementing, and supervising development. However, various studies and empirical observations show that formal public participation mechanisms still face serious challenges. The same condition occurs in Mojokerto Regency, East Java, community participation is in the medium participation category. The elements of the sub-district level Musrenbang participants were only the village head who attended, (Daniati, 2019). In addition to attendance, hearing and socialization, there is a form of community participation in the planning process, one of which is the dimension of the adequacy of the accommodation of the Special Autonomy program which comes from the aspirations of the OAP community. Theoretically, people's participation in development planning is not only physical in deliberative forums but also includes the extent to which their voices and aspirations are truly accommodated in the resulting policies. In the context of Special Autonomy Papua, participatory planning is very crucial, considering that Special Autonomy itself is intended as an effort to empower the OAP community in a substantial way. The dimension of accommodating the aspirations of the OAP community can be seen from two main aspects. First, the aspect of representation of aspirations, namely the extent to which the needs, expectations, and local values of OAP are integrated into the planning documents and priorities of the Special Autonomy program. Second, the relevance aspect of the program, namely the suitability between the programs implemented and the social, cultural, and economic conditions of the local community. However, based on the researchers' allegations, various studies and observations show that in practice, there is still a gap between the process carried out by the government and the final results of the programs carried out. The aspirations of the community are only a symbol of formality in the planning forum, with no guarantee that the input will be translated into a real program. This is reinforced by the minimal community-based supervision mechanism and the limited capacity of local planners to absorb and articulate the aspirations of OAPs in a systematic manner. The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1589 Thus, based on the author's analysis that the portion of the Special Autonomy program that was born from the aspirations of OAPs is still limited, this condition is an important warning to review the quality of participation in the planning process. Efforts to increase institutional capacity, strengthen inclusive participatory forums, and community-based supervision are urgent to ensure that Special Autonomy is not only an administrative policy, but also an instrument of social transformation that favors the indigenous Papuan people. The focus on the level of community involvement in the implementation and utilization of Special Autonomy funds is still relatively low. On the other hand, transparency and accountability in the management of Special Autonomy funds are also crucial issues. Most people do not have access to information related to the allocation of funds, the type of programs carried out, and the amount of budget allocated. This lack of transparency of information creates a communication gap between local governments and the community, so that the space for participation is not only limited structurally, but also informationally. In fact, without adequate transparency, participation tends to be a mere formality, not a substantive place to fight for public interest. This condition is exacerbated by the weak capacity of special autonomy organizers at the district and village levels in facilitating community involvement. In addition, the community's indifference between customary institutions and formal bureaucracy causes confusion in determining the roles and responsibilities of each role. As a result, many activity programs are designed not in accordance with the real needs of the community, and the effectiveness of development implementation will be hampered. Overall, low formal participation and limited transparency in the management of special autonomy funds not only have an impact on the failure to achieve development goals, but also risk eroding the legitimacy of local governments in the eyes of the public. Therefore, an in-depth study is needed to understand the extent of the effectiveness of the participation mechanism that has been built so far, as well as how its improvements can be directed to be more responsive, inclusive, and contextual in accordance with the reality of the needs of the community in Jayapura Regency. Similarly, research conducted by (Indriani, Asang and Hans, 2021) explained that the community is involved in the implementation of development but only limited to hearing, the role of participation is fully held by the government. Then in the research (Daniati, 2019) He also explained, Musrenbang at the village and sub-district levels was attended by community elements, village governments, and community organizations, but the control of implementation was in the hands The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1590 of the government. This illustrates that the same condition occurs in Jayapura Regency. To optimize the goals of the achievement of Special Autonomy can be done by empowering the community by creating space for the community to be able to develop potential, with full motivation and encouragement so that the community has awareness in developing the potential of a community (Indriani, Asang and Hans, 2021), Forms of participation in addition to community participation in special autonomy planning, one of which is participation in implementation, (Indriani, Asang and Hans, 2021). The indicators of participation in the implementation of special autonomy include the involvement of the number of OAPs as program implementers such as the participation of local contractors, village facilitators from OAP elements, the realization of programs based on local needs of OAP, ease of accessibility of the productive economy, and special autonomy services for OAPs. From some of these indicators, due to the limited time of research implementation, in this chapter, the author deepens one of the indicators for the realization of OAP's local needs-based activity program. The phenomenon that occurred in the West Papua region stated that the local community-based economic approach is more effective in improving the welfare of the OAP community. The study highlights the importance of developing economies based on local resources such as fisheries, agriculture, and traditional crafts, which not only provide income, but also safeguard cultural and environmental values. Rohaedi Saleh. Similarly, Rumbrawer (2020) in his research on the economic empowerment of OAP communities in Manokwari Regency found that programs that are prepared based on local needs, such as small business skills training, customary cooperative assistance, and community-based market access, are better able to increase community income compared to a top-down approach from outside the region. Meanwhile, a study by Rumbrawer (2020) in the Central Highlands region of Papua emphasizes the importance of the role of local governments in facilitating economic programs based on local wisdom. He concluded that the success of economic programs for OAPs is highly dependent on the active participation of local communities in program planning and implementation, as well as affirmative policy support and targeted allocation of funds. Economic development in the Land of Papua still faces various social and economic challenges, especially in reaching and empowering the Indigenous Papuans (OAP). A number of studies have shown that national or The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1591 uniform economic programs are less successful when implemented in Papua because they do not pay attention to the local context, the potential of local resources, and the cultural characteristics of the OAP community (Wambrauw, 2017). Similarly, various studies also reveal several obstacles, including the people's economy has not been maximized (Rumbrawar, Marsi, Rihaedi, Sulastiani) the economy is very helpful to the community in meeting their needs, even though funds have been provided but the funds are not enough to run a business where the competition is already very wide Atikah syahbana. The lack of local economic potential, the weak business management capacity in the OAP community Arika Syahbana. This shows that economic intervention cannot be done generically but must be adapted to the social and cultural context of the Papuan people. By referring to the results of these studies, it can be concluded that the development of economic activity programs based on the local needs and potential of OAP is a more relevant and sustainable approach. This effort not only strengthens the community's economy independently but also supports inclusive and socially just development in the land of Papua. From the explanation of previous research studies, it illustrates that the participation of the community and the government has not been maximized, so that the goals of Special Autonomy have not been achieved optimally. The lack of participatory space in planning and decision-making makes OAP merely an object of development, not a subject that is empowered in determining the direction of its own social transformation. This is exacerbated by the weak functioning of representative institutions, the lack of a systematic public consultation mechanism and the outreach of indigenous communities in remote areas. In order to prove the phenomenon studied, the author not only relies on theoretical studies from various previous studies but also takes empirical verification steps through direct data collection in the field. This approach is seen as important to strengthen the validity of the analysis compiled, as well as provide a stronger basis for formulating relevant policy recommendations for the central government. Departing from these conditions, this study aims to critically examine how OAPs participate in the planning and implementation of Special Autonomy policies, as well as identify factors that hinder their involvement. With a deep understanding of the dynamics of participation, it is hoped that a more effective strategy can be found to encourage the implementation of Special Autonomy that is more participatory, equitable, and oriented towards The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1592 the empowerment of the indigenous Papuan community. This research focuses on the analysis of the role of OAP in the process of identifying needs, formulating policies, and implementing development programs, especially productive economic programs based on local potential. The phenomenon that occurred in Jayapura Regency, in this study, shows that the special autonomy fund has not succeeded in equalizing Jayapura Regency with other districts. The success of the government's goals in development is not only played by the government, but there needs to be the participation of the beneficiary community in the planning and implementation process. Based on these problems, the researcher is interested in taking the theme, the extent of the effectiveness of formal community participation mechanisms at the time of planning and implementation. The objective of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of formal community participation mechanisms in the planning and implementation of special autonomy programs in Jayapura Regency. By examining how community involvement influences the success of development programs, this research aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing participation mechanisms and provide recommendations to enhance their effectiveness. The benefits of this study are twofold: academically, it contributes to the literature on participatory governance and decentralization in regions with special autonomy; practically, it provides policymakers and local government officials with evidence-based insights to improve community engagement strategies, ensuring that the allocation of special autonomy funds more effectively addresses local development needs and promotes equitable progress across Jayapura Regency. RESEARCH METHOD This study uses a mixed methods approach , which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches in one research design. This approach was chosen to answer the need for comprehensive, valid, and triangulating data, in order to fully understand the phenomenon of the implementation of Special Autonomy (Otsus) in Jayapura Regency in the context of community participation, cultural dynamics, and its contribution to poverty alleviation. The use of this mixed method is based on contextual considerations that the researcher also serves as the Acting Regent of Jayapura Regency, so it is feared that if only using a purely qualitative approach, informants are less likely to provide fully objective answers. Therefore, this approach combination strategy allows researchers to start the research with quantitative instruments (closed questionnaires) to capture broad and neutral perceptions, and then The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1593 deepen the findings through in-depth qualitative interviews, focusing on key issues that have been identified previously. The quantitative approach in this study refers to the concept developed by (Sugiono, 2001), which emphasizes the importance of Statistical Quantification and Measurement in exploring new findings and compiling patterns of relationships between research variables. In practice, quantitative data is obtained through Dissemination of closed questionnaires to respondents who were selected purposively, to measure the level of participation, understanding of the implementation of Special Autonomy, and perception of the impact of the policy on community welfare. Meanwhile, the qualitative approach in this study refers to the approach developed by (Creswell, 2020), which explains that the qualitative method aims to deeply understand meaning, subjective experience, as well as social dynamics that cannot be explained statistically. The focus is on interpretation, understanding of context, and revealing the complexity of social phenomena related to the implementation of Special Autonomy at the local level. Methods used in In-depth interviews with key informants, both from the beneficiaries of Special Autonomy and implementing officials (ASN BPKAD), with the aim of exploring the experience and dynamics of the implementation of Special Autonomy in the field. The results of the interviews were analyzed using the Thematic Analysis, as displayed by (Creswell, 2020), to identify key patterns, categories, and themes that emerge from the narrative data. Operationally, the mixed methods approach in this study was carried out in two main stages, namely: The first stage (Quantitative), initial data collection through the distribution of closed questionnaires to respondents spread across four development areas in Jayapura Regency. This questionnaire is designed to identify key issues related to the effectiveness of the implementation of Special Autonomy, community participation, and its impact on socio-economic conditions. The Second Stage (Qualitative), based on quantitative results that have focused on specific issues, conducted in-depth interviews with 40 beneficiaries of Special Autonomy funds (10 people each in each development area), as well as 10 civil servants at BPKAD Jayapura Regency who are directly involved in the process of planning, managing, and distributing Special Autonomy funds. This interview aims to explore views, perceptions, and socio-cultural contexts that affect the effectiveness of the implementation of Special Autonomy. By combining these two approaches, the researcher hopes to gain a complete, objective, and in-depth understanding, as well as produce findings The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1594 that not only answer research questions statistically, but also contribute to the development of the theory, policy, and practice of the implementation of Special Autonomy in the region. This study uses both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was collected directly from respondents through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Respondents included beneficiaries of Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds and State Civil Apparatus (ASN) involved in the management and distribution of funds at the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD) of Jayapura Regency. The primary data captured respondents’ perceptions, experiences, participation levels, and evaluations of the effectiveness of Special Autonomy implementation. Secondary data were obtained from official documents, such as local government financial statements (BPKAD Jayapura Regency), social and economic statistics from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Jayapura Regency, laws and regulations related to Special Autonomy, and relevant previous research and publications. To minimize potential bias due to the researcher’s position as Acting Regent, questionnaires were administered in a closed format, and interviews were conducted separately from the researcher’s official duties. Data analysis in this study combines quantitative and qualitative approaches using an inductive model. Quantitative data from questionnaires were tabulated, categorized, and analyzed using a Likert scale and weighted averages to identify trends in respondents’ assessments. Qualitative data from interviews and observations were analyzed through textual and thematic analysis to identify patterns and relationships related to family and community participation in Special Autonomy programs. Triangulation was employed by comparing data from multiple sources, including questionnaires, interviews, field observations, and official documents, to ensure validity and credibility. The results were interpreted using relevant theoretical frameworks, such as community participation theory, asymmetric decentralization theory, and social justice-based development theory, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of formal community participation mechanisms in the planning and implementation of Special Autonomy in Jayapura Regency. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The following are the results of research from a literature documentation study, with observations in the field of in-depth interviews to obtain data on community satisfaction/service users. The results of the study show that the effectiveness of the formal community participation mechanism in planning is The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1595 quite participating, but in participating in the implementation of Special Autonomy in Jayapura Regency is still relatively low. Although there are formal forums such as the Development Planning Conference (Musrenbang), the level of community involvement in these processes tends to be formal, not substantive. Many people who attended the forum were only listeners, without enough space to actively convey their aspirations. In addition, community participation tends to decrease at the implementation stage both in terms of management and implementation of the final achievement of the activity program. Limited information about productive economic assistance activities funded by Special Autonomy funds is one of the main causes. Many residents do not know the program of activities carried out in their area, the regional apparatus that implements the activity, and how much budget is used. This situation has caused public distrust in the development process and the use of the budget. However, the lack of limited information is not only caused by a lack of information from the government, but also influenced by the participation factor of the beneficiaries themselves. To get an overview of the participation of the community/beneficiaries, the researcher conducts direct observations to the field to get a more detailed reality in the field. The direct observation to the aid recipients, by visiting the residence of the aid recipients, to ensure the benefits of the assistance and the sustainability of the assistance provided by the government. The detailed data collection and validity test was carried out by visiting the residence of the aid recipient for the second time when the data obtained was still biased. Then, to obtain data on the determination of the planning of proposals that can be determined into the definitive plan for the implementation of special autonomy assistance, the researcher made observations to the BPKAD office as the aid manager. After obtaining sufficient data, the researcher then tested the validity of the data with in-depth interviews with the Head of BPKAD and the recipients of assistance. In-depth interviews are conducted to obtain conclusions from data obtained through interviews and direct observations. As for the results of research in the field in relation to community participation from the perspective of aid recipients, the author can explain as follows: Measuring community participation in the planning process in the implementation of Musrenbang. Referring to the level of participation classes based on the results of research in the field, the results show that the level of community participation is quite strong. The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1596 Based on the question of community participation in the planning process, in this case the involvement of community elements, the results of the questionnaire are as follows: the first of the 21 informants, the total number of informants receiving assistance as many as 20 informants of the community receiving assistance and 1 informant of the aid organizers, is the head of BPKAD. The results of the questionnaire were distributed to 21 informants to provide an assessment. Nineteen (20) questionnaires were returned, with the answer that the head of the group receiving assistance was involved in the Musrenbang planning process at both the village and district levels. To get the actual data, the researcher also conducted in-depth interviews with 5 participants who the researcher designated as key informants. For data validation and data validity, the researcher also made direct observations on the research object by looking at the process and mechanism of Musrenbang at the village level and at the district level. According to the explanation of the key informant, when asked, the researcher, in connection with the invitation to the Musrenbang at the village and district level, gave an answer to get an invitation. At the time of the researcher conducting an in-depth interview to FW's residence, FW said that: … The implementation of the district Musrenbang who attended the Musrenbang, in addition to village heads, group leaders, the community were also asked to attend the event. Then at the time of the Musrenbang Village, I was also invited, as well as the people who received assistance were invited to the Village Musrenbang meeting. However, most of the individual recipients did not attend, only the group leader attended. The reason why group members/individuals did not attend Musrenbang activities was that in the morning they had gone to the lake to look for fish. Similarly, when the researcher conducted an in-depth interview with RT, the RT's answer was as follows: … The group leader is a representative appointed by the members, so that at the time of the District Musrenbang invited by the Regional Government is the Village Head with the Head of the group receiving assistance. However, at the village level Musrenbang all people are invited and asked to attend, but many people do not attend the village level Musrenbang. Next, the researcher asked LU to corroborate the data obtained from FW and RT in connection with the invitation to implement Musrenbang at the District level and Musrenbang at the village level, LU replied as follows: … Invitation to the village Musrenbang is for elements of village apparatus managers and chairmen, religious leaders, community leaders, heads of aid The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1597 recipient groups, as well as the community. The group members were not present on the grounds that they had been represented by the group leader. Furthermore, the researcher asked YD, the head of the group receiving cattle seed assistance, to corroborate the data obtained from FW, RT, LU in connection with the invitation to implement Musrenbang at the District level Musrenbang at the village level, LU replied thus: … The invitation to the village Musrenbang for all Yapsi village people, village officials, religious leaders, community leaders, and heads of groups receiving assistance included in the invitation is the community. However, many members of the group did not attend on the grounds that they had been represented by the group leader From the four statements, for the answer to the level of participation of the community receiving special autonomy assistance, the involvement in the implementation of the village Musrenbang and the district Musrenbang received the same answer, from the key informants FW, RT, LU and YD, that the involvement of the community in participating in Musrenbang activities at the village level and district level is under the control of the group leader, assuming the participation is strong enough. To strengthen the field data from four key informants, the researcher conducted an interview with the head of BPKAD with the initials HC. The researcher used information from HC to support the supporting data that had been obtained from the beneficiary key informants. HC is a policy maker, an extension of the Regent. The results of the questionnaire explained that the planning was carried out based on the proposal of a definitive plan through the mechanism of the village level Musrenbang and the District level Musrenbang, which are aligned with the provisions of the special autonomy law. The mandatory distribution is in accordance with the provisions, but the implementation is still in accordance with the provisions and planning. This occurs due to the lack of accurate data on the real needs of the people of Jayapura Regency, causing the planning of activity programs to often not be in accordance with field conditions. From the results of the questionnaire, the researcher conducted a more in-depth search by observing the BPKAD office, meeting again with the HC to ask for more details about the solutions to be carried out if there were problems with the implementation of activities that were not in accordance with the plan. Then the answer obtained from the in-depth interview of the second visit, the HC's answer, is that it will be tried to immediately make implementation adjustments to keep referring to the initial plan (for example, by accelerating the implementation, changing the technical approach). The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1598 Then the researcher's assessment continued with the second assessment, namely the implementation stage. The assessment of implementation from the point of view of the suitability between planning and implementation aims to find out the extent to which the implementation of the activity program is in accordance with what has been planned, both in terms of inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes. This assessment is important to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of the use of the budget, including in the context of the Papua Special Autonomy (Otsus) fund. Due to the limited implementation time, researchers emphasized research activities at the outcome stage. How much impact is given in accordance with the planned medium/long-term goals, there is a significant difference between the expected results and the results of implementation in the field. One of the objectives of aiding so that aid recipients experience social/economic changes is a form of effective intervention to problems that the government wants to solve for the beneficiaries of special autonomy funds. When the assistance is not relevant between implementation and planning, the government's goal will not be achieved to raise the change of beneficiaries. Based on the results of observations in the field in relation to the question of the suitability between the implementation and planning of special autonomy assistance, based on reference the results of the questionnaire can be explained as follows: Question items related to the accuracy of implementation and sustainability of productive economic assistance The results of the questionnaire were distributed to the 21 informants to provide an assessment, as well as the questionnaire that returned as many as 21, with the answer that the implementation tended to be in accordance with the plan, but the implementation in this case the management factors were not in accordance with the plan. The assistance provided for the productive economy cannot be used in the short term and cannot be rolled out for a long- term turnaround. The form of assistance has been in accordance with the plan, but the management of assistance is only limited to the level of consumption of beneficiaries, which cannot be used to increase the per capita income of beneficiaries. To get the actual data, the researcher also conducted in-depth interviews with 5 participants who the researcher designated as key informants. To validate the data and the validity of the researcher's data by making direct observations on the research object by looking at the assistance and management of assistance in the beneficiaries' residences. The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1599 According to the explanation of the key informant, when asked by the researcher, in relation to, the management of planning suitability. At the time of the researcher conducting an in-depth interview to FW's residence, FW said that: … I have received the assistance of pig brood according to what the group leader meeting, but after the piglets give birth, there are piglets that I will reduce, because I am overwhelmed with feeding and nurturing, I have difficulty selling piglets. I never reported the help I received during this time. Similarly, when the researcher conducted an in-depth interview with RT, RT’s answer was as follows: … I received help from mango plant seeds with a duku. The head of the group receiving assistance also conveyed the same thing during a meeting with group members. However, the plant takes a long time to bear fruit, while in the near future we need crops to meet our daily needs, because my daily livelihood is fishermen, so to meet my family's daily needs is not from gardening, but from fish caught that is sold to the market. Next, the researcher asked LU, to corroborate the data obtained from FW and RT in relation to the assistance received, LU replied as follows: … My daily work is gardening, the group chairman and the government give me the help of coffee and areca nut seeds. Giving plant seeds is in accordance with my daily work, but I myself will be confused if later at the time of coffee harvest, I will sell it. Unlike areca nut seeds, we easily sell them to the market because many people need areca nuts. Last year's areca nut assistance that had borne fruit, could only be enough for my consumption and my family, the amount of harvest could not be sold to the market. … As for the reports of the assistance I received, I never gave any report after I received the assistance... For the next time, the researcher asked YD, the head of the group receiving cattle seed assistance, to corroborate the data obtained from FW, RT, LU in relation to the cattle seed assistance he received, LU replied thus: … The distribution of cattle seed assistance has been in accordance with my proposal during the meeting at the village hall with the group chairman. The provision of assistance is in accordance with my routine work as a cattle breeder. I received a heiress. Female cows within a period of one year can give birth. It is undeniable that the assistance of female cows is very helpful for me to get a broodstock so that I don't need to buy broodstock, but the amount of assistance is less can have an impact on my economy as a breeder. If you take into account the cost of finding grass and caring for one cow within 3 years, the selling price of calves with cost and labor is not worth it. I said 3 years will The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1600 enjoy the results, with chronology, the first year of pregnant cows, then the cows after 2 years of fattening, new cows are worth selling. I will only be able to get assistance benefits for the next 3 years with a nominal value of the selling price of cattle of IDR 24,000,000.00. If it is possible, the government can provide assistance, not only 1 head, but increase the number so that the benefits of this special autonomy can be felt more effectively. … Regarding the help report, I never reported the help I received. From the four statements, for the answer to the accuracy of the suitability between the planning and implementation of special autonomy assistance recipients, the same answer was obtained, from key informants FW, RT, LU and YD, that the recipients received the same assistance as the planning but the beneficiaries explained, in the short term it could not be felt, then marketing constraints had not received good socialization from the government. Furthermore, the assistance is only limited to the level of consumption of the beneficiaries, which has not been able to increase the per capita income of the beneficiaries. From the explanations of the four key informants, the researcher can conclude that the level of beneficiary participation is at a weak level. Similarly, the results of direct observation in the field to the residence of the aid recipient where the aid goods have been received by the beneficiary. When the researcher came to the residence of the aid recipient, it was outside the regent's visit schedule, because at that time the researcher served as the acting Regent of Jayapura Regency. Researchers by changing the costume of ordinary formal clothes. For approximately one week, the researcher visited by supporting the activities of the Romance Net. The purpose of supporting these activities is to find out the extent to which the community's needs are in line with the realization of assistance provided by the government. The suitability of assistance between planning and implementation is also an obstacle from internal factors of aid recipients, namely marketing difficulties and the inability of crop yields to increase people's per capita income. If it is not resolved immediately, it will have an impact on waste, there is no leverage to increase per capita income from the aid fund because it is not on target and right on policy. Based on the results of research in the field, the author can conclude that the obstacles faced by aid recipients, not getting solutions from the aid manager, give rise to the assumption that the community is sufficiently participating at the planning level but not participating at the implementation stage. One of the problems is that due to the incompatibility with their livelihoods, the community does not participate in developing the assistance they receive. The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1601 The results of research in the field show that the research will be conditioned like the research that has been carried out by Indriani (2021) and Duncan (2019). In research Indriani (2021) in Bittuang Regency, Tana Toraja Regency said that community involvement in development planning participation at the delegate level. And the class of community participation is relatively low. Then in the research Duncan (2019), explained that the level of community participation is in the category of moderate level of participation. Similarly, in Jayapura Regency, as observed by researchers, the level of community participation is included in the category of delegation, planning is controlled by the group chairman, not yet controlled by the residents. In summary, the results of the evaluation of the delivery of people's economic assistance to the special autonomy fund from the recipients of the Sentani District assistance show that all informants (90%) assessed the participation of the community at the planning level at the delegate level. The involvement of beneficiaries at the time of planning, up to the level of the head of the group of recipients. Next, the results of the questionnaire, the compatibility factor between planning in the context of Musrenbang and the implementation of Special Autonomy, participants (90%) assessed that the alignment of special autonomy assistance with what was planned, (10%) assessed that it was not appropriate. Then the factor of participation in managing aid, all informants (60%) assessed, beneficiaries were less participating in managing aid. Then from the sub-indicator of people's economic assistance can be sustainable to increase per capita income, (90%) assessed, it cannot be used in the short term to increase per capita income for beneficiaries. Furthermore, the results of the evaluation of people's economic assistance special autonomy funds from Demta District aid recipients showed that all informants (90%) assessed community participation at the planning level at the delegate level. The involvement of beneficiaries at the time of planning, up to the level of the chairman of the beneficiary group. Next to the results of the questionnaire, the suitability factor between planning and implementation, participants (80%) assessed that special autonomy assistance was in accordance with what was planned, (20%) assessed it as not suitable. Then the factor of participation in managing aid, all informants (80%) assessed, beneficiaries were less participating in managing aid. Then from the sub-indicator of people's economic assistance can be sustainable to increase per capita income, (100%) assessed, it cannot be used in the short term to increase per capita income for beneficiaries. The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1602 The results of the evaluation of the delivery of people's economic assistance special autonomy funds from the recipients of assistance in Kemtuk Gresi District showed that all informants (90%) assessed the participation of the community at the planning level at the delegate level. The involvement of beneficiaries at the time of planning, up to the level of the chairman of the beneficiary group. Next to the results of the questionnaire, the suitability factor between planning and implementation, participants (80%) assessed that special autonomy assistance was in accordance with what was planned, (20%) assessed it as not suitable. Then the factor of participation in managing aid, all informants (80%) assessed, beneficiaries were less participating in managing aid. Then from the sub-indicator of people's economic assistance can be sustainable to increase per capita income, (80%) assessed, it cannot be used in the short term to increase per capita income for beneficiaries. Finally, the results of the evaluation of the delivery of people's economic assistance special autonomy funds from Yapsi District aid recipients showed that all informants (70%) assessed community participation at the planning level at the delegate level. The involvement of beneficiaries at the time of planning, up to the level of the chairman of the beneficiary group. Next to the results of the questionnaire, the suitability factor between planning and implementation, participants (80%) assessed that special autonomy assistance was in accordance with what was planned, (20%) assessed it as not suitable. Then the factor of participation in managing aid, all informants (80%) assessed, beneficiaries were less participating in managing aid. Then from the sub-indicator of people's economic assistance can be sustainable to increase per capita income, (80%) assessed, it cannot be used in the short term to increase per capita income for beneficiaries. From the explanation of key informants of the community and the manager of the special autonomy fund, the researcher can conclude that the implementation process is not in harmony with the planning process, based on this inconsistency as feedback to improve the planning process in the future. The application of participatory and data-based planning to be more adaptive to field conditions. CONCLUSION This study confirms that the formal community participation mechanism in the planning and implementation of Special Autonomy in Jayapura Regency is characterized by strong participation at the level of group leadership, yet community proposals are not fully accommodated in the The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1603 definitive program plans, and the implementation of activities often does not align with beneficiaries’ needs. Consequently, participation in utilizing assistance is limited, and the short-term impact on per capita income remains minimal. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing mechanisms that ensure beneficiary needs are integrated into program planning and implementation to improve effectiveness and equitable outcomes. Future research can build upon this study by examining longitudinal impacts of community participation on socioeconomic development, exploring participatory models in other regions, and investigating strategies to strengthen alignment between community needs and Special Autonomy programs, thereby contributing to more inclusive and sustainable regional development. REFERENCES Chasib, F. S. A. (2025, Agustus). Strengthening the Papua Steering Committee strategy: Reflections on Special Autonomy’s impact on quality of life. ScienceDirect Journal. [In press]. ScienceDirect. Creswell, J. W. (2020). Qualitative research & research design: Choosing among five approaches. (S. Z. Qudsy, Ed.). Student Library. Daniati, S. (2019). The level of community participation in planning the use of village funds in the context of poverty alleviation in Kesimantengah Village. Scientific Journal of Public Administration, 5(2), 172–180. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jiap.2019.005.02.6 Fatimah, S., Hamsinah, H., Yunus, M., & Hasniati. (2021). Determinant factors of low women's participation in development planning in Jayapura Regency. International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding, 8(1), 290–299. https://doi.org/10.18415/ijmmu.v8i1.2342 Hasibuan, S. (2022). Special autonomy in Papua and West Papua: Institutional challenges and governance issues. Bina Hukum Lingkungan, 7(2), 101– 115. https://jurnalsetjen.kemendagri.go.id/index.php/bjgs/article/view/104 Indriani, C., Asang, S., & Hans, A. (2021). The level of community participation in development planning in Pali Village, Bittuang District, Tana Toraja Regency. Development Policy and Management Review (DPMR). https://doi.org/10.61731/dpmr.vi.18597 Mesak, I. E. K. (2016). A study of participation rate, transparency, and accountability of special autonomy funds management in Jayapura. Journal of Social and Development Sciences, 7(1), 18–30. https://doi.org/10.18415/ijmmu.v8i1.2342 https://jurnalsetjen.kemendagri.go.id/index.php/bjgs/article/view/104 The Effectiveness of Community Participation Mechanisms in the Planning and Implementation of Special Autonomy: A Study of the Jayapura Regency Government 1604 https://ideas.repec.org/a/rnd/arjsds/v7y2016i1p18-30.html Musa’ad, M. A. (2010). Contextualization of the implementation of special autonomy in Papua Province: Perspective of government structure and authority. Study, 16(2), 357–385. Policy analysis of special autonomy and its implications for political stability in Papua. (2024). IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 29(7), 13–17. https://doi.org/10.9790/0837-2907021317 Prabowo, P. A. (2021). Special autonomy policy evaluation to improve community welfare of Papua Province. International Journal of Educational Governance, 2(1), 24–35. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJEG-02-2021- 0024 Prabowo, P. A., Supriyono, B., Noor, I., & Muluk, M. K. (2025). Special Autonomy policy evaluation to improve community welfare in Papua Province. ResearchGate. Purwoko, A. P., Supriyono, B., Muluk, M. K., & Noor, I. (2020). The implementation of the Special Autonomy of Papua Province from the aspect of improving public services. Journal of Defense and Security Studies, 6(1), 59–74. https://doi.org/10.33172/jp.v6i1.591 Salle, A. (2016). Accountability issues in the management of Papua’s special autonomy funds. Asian Journal of Governance and Society, 4(2), 55–68. https://ssrn.com/abstract=4963427 Sarjito, A. (2025). Transparency of Papua's Special Autonomy Funds: Is it possible? Journal of Governance Innovation, 7(1), Article 5627. https://doi.org/10.36636/jogiv.v7i1.5627 Sugiono, A. (2001). Educational research methods of quantitative, qualitative and R&D approaches. Sukmalalana, Ramadhan, Pidhegso, Huda, & Fadli. (2020). Implementation of Papua special autonomy policies for inclusive development and improved living standards. BIRCU Journal, [Volume(Issue)], 22. https://ideas.repec.org/a/rnd/arjsds/v7y2016i1p18-30.html https://doi.org/10.9790/0837-2907021317 https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJEG-02-2021-0024 https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJEG-02-2021-0024 https://doi.org/10.33172/jp.v6i1.591 https://ssrn.com/abstract=4963427 https://doi.org/10.36636/jogiv.v7i1.5627