963 POVERTY REDUCTION EVALUATION THROUGH THE PROGRAM LOOKS DOWN ON POVERTY PROBLEMS (GERTAK) IN TRENGGALEK DISTRICT, EAST JAVA Volume: 4 Number: 4 Page: 963 - 970 Laily PURNAWATI1, ANGKASAWATI2, Andri WAHYUDI3 1,2,3Public Administration, Tulungagung Jawa Timur, Indonesia Corresponding author: Laily PURNAWATI E-mail: lailypurnawatisip@gmail.com Article History: Received: 2023-03-20 Revised: 2023-05-15 Accepted: 2023-07-15 Abstract: Poverty is a problem faced in all regions in Indonesia as well as in the Trenggalek district. To overcome this poverty problem, the Trenggalek district government has one breakthrough, namely by changing the paradigm from just a program to a poverty alleviation movement abbreviated as GERTAK. Because overcoming poverty cannot only be done by providing aid programs but the most important thing is to change the thinking of these poor people themselves so that they are willing and able to change. Because instilling the idea that they are not poor and can escape poverty and eradicate this poor mentality is quite a heavy homework for the local government. how local governments can not only provide subsidies in the form of money so that people can be empowered is the most important thing in a poverty alleviation program.To research poverty reduction evaluation in the Trenggalek district, a qualitative descriptive approach was used. Data sources are obtained by direct observation of the field and interviews with predetermined sources. The validity of the data is obtained through the triangulation method. The results obtained that poverty reduction through the GERTAK program can be felt and accepted by the community. the existence of the GERTAK volunteer post is very helpful and makes it easier for the community to be able to get assistance. Although in its implementation there are still obstacles such as changing regulations and still low awareness of the poor themselves. Keywords: Program evaluation, poverty alleviation, Trenggalek district, East Java Cite this as: PURNAWATI, L., ANGKASAWATI, WAHYUDI, A. (2023). “Poverty Reduction Evaluation Through the Program Looks Down on Poverty Problems (GERTAK) In Trenggalek District, East Java” International Journal of Environmental, Sustainability, and Social Science, 4 (4), 963 – 970. INTRODUCTION The poverty experienced by a region and even a country yearly has not decreased. Indonesia has also experienced an increase in poor people in recent years. This is due to declining economic conditions in Indonesia. (Ferezagia, 2018). Poverty is a problem that has always been a topic of discussion because the impact of poverty is vast and even concerns human dignity and dignity. (Singh &; Chudasama, 2020). Poverty is a problem that must be addressed immediately by the government. Overcoming poverty requires cooperation from various parties; there must be complete, comprehensive synergy and well-planned. Poverty is a major problem that needs to be addressed in the development process at the national and regional levels, where poverty is also synonymous with a disease that is difficult to cure. (Azariadis & Stachurski, 2005). The problem of poverty in development is characterized by unemployment, underdevelopment, and deterioration. Low-income people are frail in their ability to do business and have limited access to socioeconomic activities. So poverty is always associated with the population and its capacity in an area. (Maipita, 2013). mailto:lailypurnawatisip@gmail.com 964 In Trenggalek district, East Java, poverty arises due to several factors. The lack of high levels of education causes the unemployment rate to be higher. On the other hand, despite many poverty relief programs, it has yet to have a real impact because the aid is distributed inappropriately. The basis of this assistance is taken from poverty data, which needs to be more valid and accurate. Lack of accurate data makes the poverty rate in Trenggalek, East Java, not finished and decreased, even exacerbating the current poverty rate. (trenggalekkab.go.id). The impact of assistance from the government in the form of money and goods turned out to cause the community to become dependent on their lives. The assistance usually runs out for consumptive needs only, so when the aid funds run out, they will need clarification again to meet their needs. (Nawawi et al., 2020). Different problems faced in each region should also be different in handling them. The similarity of poverty alleviation programs throughout Indonesia can cause vulnerability in implementing poverty reduction programs. Facing the problem of poverty, not only around poverty alleviation but also poverty alleviation. (Sinaga, 2019). The problem of poverty is not only about how to overcome poverty but also about poverty alleviation. Therefore, fostering the people's economy is important. (Khaerunnisa, 2019). The government targets young people from low-income families to become new entrepreneurs, giving unsecured capital funds with profit sharing of 2% per year through Regional Banks, as well as infrastructure assistance and training focused on low-income family groups, including replicating PKH to achieve independent graduation or poor people who have declared themselves independent and are no longer poor. (Riyadi, 2018). Local governments have an important role in efforts to overcome existing poverty problems. This is because the government at the regional level is closer to the community and knows how the characteristics and potentials exist in the area. One of the districts/cities that carry out poverty reduction efforts is Trenggalek Regency with the establishment of the GERTAK (Movement to Look Down on Poverty Problems) program, which is expected to be able to overcome poverty problems in Trenggalek Regency and reduce poverty in Trenggalek Regency. This movement was carried out because the poverty rate in Trenggalek Regency is still relatively high, higher than the average of East Java Province. The GERTAK program can indeed reduce poverty, but it can still be simplified in reducing poverty in pockets of poverty. GERTAK was born and became the main program of the Trenggalek Regency Government. What distinguishes it from other programs is how the government shifts the paradigm of poverty alleviation and alleviation from just a "program" to a "movement." So that the process of deliberation and mutual assistance is created. Through the three alms movement: a) alms information, b) alms participation, c) alms mutual aid. (Khaerunnisa, 2019). Through this program, the regent of Trenggalek said that a powerful weapon in poverty alleviation is to eradicate the poor mentality and increase the collective efforts of the community to escape poverty. With an anti-poor mentality, people will gauge whether they need to be given help or not. So that people receiving assistance will divert to other communities that are very underprivileged. The Regent and Vice Regent of Trenggalek made a breakthrough in a new program, which is not only a program but also has a soft campaign. (Nurdiana, 2018). The GERTAK program is expected to be a breakthrough in solving poverty problems in the current era. This program will differ from poverty alleviation programs that are mostly mistargeted and create community dependence on centers or outside assistance. With the involvement of all existing elements, including the poor, the GERTAK program is expected to be able to reduce poverty rates. It can also change the behavior of the poor to have a spirit of independence, togetherness, and 965 concern in overcoming problems together or deliberation and justice that can be felt by the benefits of the poor or underprivileged. The GERTAK program is run by the Regional Poverty Reduction Coordination Team (TKPKD) following the mandate of Presidential Regulation No.15 of 2010 concerning the Membership of the Regional Poverty Reduction Coordination Team (Province et al.). From the composition of the membership, the government is serious about dealing with the problem of poverty because it involves various elements of the existing society. The TKPKD team will work according to its main duties and functions under the leadership of the Vice Regent of Trenggalek. GERTAK can be a phenomenon in overcoming poverty problems that can produce opportunities or challenges. GERTAK should bring good implications in overcoming poverty problems and increasing economic growth in Trenggalek Regency. The district government must work hard to instill thoughts in the community to eradicate the poor mentality of the community in Trenggalek District because poverty is an obstacle for the community to achieve social welfare, as stated in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution. METHODS This study will use a qualitative descriptive approach to understand better the phenomenon of poverty alleviation, especially in the Trenggalek district, East Java. Naturalistic research is also called qualitative research because the research is carried out on natural conditions and objects. (Hammarberg et al., 2016). The key instrument of this research is the researcher himself, with data collection techniques carried out by triangulation; data analysis is inductive. Data is obtained using interviews and observations in the field. Interviews were conducted with employees from the Trenggalek district social office, GERTAK post officers, the GERTAK Task Force team, and the community receiving assistance from the GERTAK program. To add to the data obtained, researchers also carry out documentation. Data collection through documentation is carried out by observing, recording, or copying documents, guide materials, archives, and other data related to the problem to be studied owned by the research object, namely the GERTAK program. RESULT AND DISCUSSION The GERTAK program is one of the poverty alleviation programs initiated by the Regent of Trenggalek at that time and outlined in the Decree of the Regent of Trenggalek Number: 188.45//35.03.001.3/2017 concerning the Regional Poverty Reduction Coordination Team of Trenggalek Regency. The GERTAK program is implemented to provide social security, guaranteeing poor people who experience socioeconomic problems that their basic needs are met. In this program, the needs that will be met vary from beneficiary to depending on what is needed by the community receiving assistance. The Gertak Program is a social program intended only for the poor and vulnerable whose purpose is to identify the grievances of the poor and vulnerable, make referrals, and monitor the handling of complaints to ensure that these complaints are handled properly. According to Janvry: "Democratization, particularly in the context of the decentralization of governance, opens up important roads for alternative approaches to rural development." (De Janvry et al., 2001). So the context of government has an important role as an alternative approach to rural development. So the role of democratic government will help solve rural problems, including poverty. Eradicating rural poverty through effective policies remains a challenge for communities. That is why the GERTAK Program was created. The Gertak program is the latest breakthrough in solving poverty problems in the current era. The Gertak program is a progressive social movement because it improves the poverty reduction 966 system that was previously felt to have not been alleviating poverty in Trenggalek Regency effectively; supported by innovative ideas and the role of good stakeholders, this program brings positive changes to overcome poverty and vulnerability in Trenggalek Regency. Based on the research results, the Gertak Program targets poor and vulnerable people. The Gertak program is only for the poor and vulnerable who need assistance. Following Trenggalek Regency Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2020 concerning poverty reduction, those who get assistance follow regional poverty indicators. To declare whether or not the community deserves assistance is based on complaints and through a follow-up process with criteria that are by regional poverty indicators. In determining whether or not the community deserves assistance, the community is surveyed to their place of residence directly by the task force (survey team in the field) through interviews and direct observation of the community surveyed. Then after getting the data, the data is matched with the reporting data at the Gertak Post. This is to review people who apply for assistance according to the criteria or not. In addition to data selection, to determine the community that deserves assistance through Village Deliberation (MUSDES). This Village Deliberation serves to verify and validate existing poverty data so that through this Gertak Program, the poverty problem in Trenggalek Regency can be resolved properly. The village government and the community know better which communities need assistance and which do not fall under reality. The Village Deliberation also noted changes in the economic status/welfare of poor people targeted by the poverty program. The study results state that the Gertak Program is by the standards and targets set. The community has also benefited from the Gertak Program; they are very impressed by this Bluff Program. In the implementation process, what needs to be considered are the available resources. Resources that support the successful implementation of a program are human resources and financial resources. The resources involved and the budget amount affect the program's course to achieve the objectives set. This is also explained in Law No. 13 of 2011 concerning. In handling people with low incomes, the resources needed to implement a program are human resources and funding sources. The implementation of the Gertak program is coordinated by the Regional Poverty Reduction Coordination Team (TKPKD), which is supported by supporting staff at the Gertak Post and the ask Force Gertak Post on duty in the field. In addition, there is also a partnership network with CSR forums, BPJS, and BAZNAS Trenggalek Regency. In addition to Human Resources (HR), to support the successful implementation of the Gertak Program, there are also Financial Resources. In implementing the Gertak Program, financial resources come from APBD and BAZNAS funds. In addition, there is also assistance from CSR; there are also village funds allocated for village deliberations that can respond to social problems at the village level. Most of the funding comes from BAZNAS, especially those that are urgent. Coordination is key to successful policy implementation. Because the better the coordination and communication between the parties involved in the implementation process, the fewer errors will occur. Based on the study's results, communication between parties involved in implementing the Gertak Program went well. Communication between formal organizations and mall information and between the scope of the Gertak Post are well coordinated. With good coordination, the Bluff Program will be implemented with the desired goals and objectives. In addition, there is an evaluation to minimize problems per problem. The right characteristics of the implementers will influence implementation performance. In addition, the policy implementation area's scope is also considered to determine the implementing agent. The wider the scope of implementing a policy, the greater the involvement of implementing 967 agents. A policy implementation to achieve maximum success must be identified and known to the implementing agent, including bureaucratic structures, norms, and patterns of relationships in bureaucracy. A policy implementation to achieve maximum success must be identified and known to the implementing agency, including the structure bureaucracy, norms, and patterns of relationships that occur in the bureaucracy. (Widodo, 2021). Based on the results of the study, the characteristics of implementing agents include anyone involved in a policy or program. Implementing the Gertak Program, involved in it includes the entire organizational structure of TPKD and outside the organizational structure of TPKD. The involvement of implementing agencies is tailored as needed to help the community. Then to reach all areas in Trenggalek Regency involving Village and District Governments so that with the involvement of variousGertak program parties can achieve the expected goals. Social, economic, and political conditions include resources that support policy implementation. The extent to which interest groups provide support for implementing the Bluff Program. The participants supported or against, and The nature of public opinion exists in the environment. Social, economic, and political conditions are indicators that affect a policy's course. The extent to which interest groups support policy implementation, the characteristics of participation that support or oppose, the nature of public opinion in the environment, and whether political elites support implementation policy. Based on this opinion, for the implementation of a program to be successful, it needs support from the social environment, economics, politics, and the need for public opinion about the program being carried out. The Gertak Program received much support from various parties from the study results. The external environment in the district also encourages implementation. Program bluff. The Bluff Program also received support and appreciation from the central government. There is also support from other regions outside Trenggalek Regency interested in studying the Gertak Program to be implemented in their area. This proves that the economic, social, and political environment supports implementing the Gertak program. The attitude of acceptance or rejection from the implementer will affect the success of implementing the Gertak Program. Based on the research results, the implementers have implemented the Gertak Program under applicable SOPs. The implementers of the Gertak Program already have knowledge, understanding, and deepening of the Gertak Program policy because the implementers have fully understood the standards and objectives of the Gertak Program policy. The service at theGertak Post is good and what the community expects. The Gertak program also received a positive response from the community because it had received community complaints well and responded to community complaints by responding quickly. In implementing policies related to poverty reduction in Trenggalek district through the GERTAK program, several factors support the implementation of the GERTAK program. There are four factors found in research, namely: 1. Regional Head Policy, Every region faces poverty problems, so policies from Regional Heads are needed to overcome poverty problems, especially in Trenggalek Regency. The Gertak program is a priority program of the Regional Head to overcome poverty problems in Trenggalek Regency following regional and national development goals. 2. Support from various parties in implementing the Gertak program Many sects received support internally and externally, which is a supporting factor for implementing the GERTAK program. The first support is from the commitment of all civil servants in Trenggalek Regency. The commitment of all civil servants in Trenggalek Regency is an important supporting factor in implementing the Gertak Program because ASN is the largest contributor of infaq funds to BAZNAS, which are used for Gertak Program assistance. The next support is BAZNAS. In 968 addition to the APBD, G Program funding also exists from BAZNAS. Most of the Gertak Program funding comes from Baznas. The amount of available funds affects the implementation of the Bluff Program. With sufficient funds available, implementing the Gertak Program will run smoothly. The amount of assistance provided to the community adjusts the application submitted to the Gertak Post. 3. Further support comes from CSR. Gerblu's funding source also comes from CSR. In implementing the Gertak Program, CSR also has a significant role in implementing assistance programs from the Gertak Program. Further support from Volunteers. The implementation of the Gertak Program will only run smoothly with assistance from various parties, one of which is the volunteer staff of the Ger tak Post. Gertak Post volunteers play an active role in implementing the Gertak Program. With the presence of volunteers, implementing the Gertak Program is more effective and efficient because volunteers are spread throughout the regions in Trenggalek Regency. So that the Gertak Program can reach all areas in Trenggalek Regency. 4. The commitment of all Village Governments in Trenggalek Regency. The village is the closest part of the community. Therefore, commitment from the village government in the Trenggalek district is necessary to implement the Gertak Program. The village government can direct people who need assistance to apply to the Gertak Post. In addition, the village government also directs the community who will come to the Gertak Post regarding the requirements to be brought so that when they arrive at the Gertak Post, the requirements brought are under applicable regulations. 5. Valid complaint data: The Bluff Program will achieve the target with valid data. All data in the Gertak Post is valid because it is under complaints from the public. Thus the implementation of the Bluff Program is on target. In the process of handling the problem of poverty, it is undeniable that there are still Obstacles. 2 factors hinder poverty management in this GERTAK program, namely: 1. A fickle aid program, the Gertak Program has several assistance programs to help the poor and vulnerable in need of assistance. However, the aid program often changes, so the implementation of the Gertak Program only runs smoothly because it needs to be adjusted again to new programs; it is necessary to socialize with the community related to the aid program. 2. Community Awareness: In implementing the Gertak Program, awareness determines how much the target group can receive assistance to maximize its utilization. However, many still need to know that this assistance program is only intended for impoverished and vulnerable people. Many people claim to be unable when they can apply to the Gertak Post for assistance. Things like this will increase the number of complaints at the Gertak Post. Program implementation should be supported and accepted by the community; if community members follow and obey a program, then a program implementation will run under the objectives set. However, the implementation of the GERTAK Program has yet to be fully successful because it is hampered by the mindset of people willing to be labeled as poor to get assistance from the GERTAK Program. To achieve a program's success, one must be public awareness to accept government programs. The problem is that there are still many people in Trenggalek Regency who need to be made aware that it turns out that there are still people or families who need more help and need to realize that there are those who are more entitled to receive what they have received. From some of the obstacles described above, there are strategies to overcome these obstacles to reduce poverty in Trenggalek Regency, including village deliberations and monitoring and evaluation. From the research results, many people in the Trenggalek district still claim to be poor 969 to be able to get assistance from the Gertak program. Through village deliberations, the government can instill public awareness by providing moral messages to people who are able but still want to get help, namely so that people want to realize that there are still more needs. Giving help and providing awareness that there are still those who are more entitled to receive assistance. Improving the community's mindset can ensure the accuracy of the target recipients of poverty assistance. CONCLUSION The GERTAK program is intended for vulnerable and vulnerable communities. The purpose of this program, in general, is to identify the complaints of poor and vulnerable people, make referrals, and monitor the handling of complaints to ensure that these complaints are handled properly. For poverty relief to be right on target, accurate data is needed. Accurate data will determine the accuracy of the poverty line; then, it will be able to identify the program targets and the right form of program. (Loayza & Raddatz, 2010). The GERTAK program is not only aimed at poverty alleviation, but this program is also to be able to equalize community welfare in terms of education and health. The source of assistance obtained from the GERTAK program apart from the regional budget owned by Trengga lek district, the budget is also obtained from CSR private companies, voluntary contributions from members of the Trenggalek district parliament, and the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS). The GERTAK program was created to address not only the problem of poverty but also to eliminate the stigma of poverty in the community, including eliminating the poor mentality that can hinder people from striving toward prosperity. In addition to material assistance, GERTAK has another mission: to raise public awareness that many other communities are less fortunate and more entitled to assistance. So that if this awareness grows, those who can afford it will no longer want to receive poverty assistance. 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