Kalurahan Ngalang, located in Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region Province, is an example of how significant change can occur when a Village Head is committed to learning, innovating and involving the community in every development process. Over the past few years, Ngalang has made rapid progress on important issues such as disaster preparedness, sanitation management, and inclusive development for all its citizens, including vulnerable groups.
These changes did not come suddenly. Rather, the process was one of gradual reflection, communication and collaboration. One of the elements that enriched the process was the Seger Waras programme (ECT WASH) implemented by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund South and South-East Asia (ASB S-SEA), which through its advocacy and programme guidance provided an additional reference point for Suharyanta, Ngalang’s village head.
Initial Commitment: Opening Up to Learn
When the Seger Waras programme (ECT WASH) began its activities in Ngalang Village, Suharyanta did not immediately understand the purpose of their work. He admitted that he initially thought of ASB S-SEA as just another NGO. However, with an open approach and continuous discussions, he began to recognise new values that could complement the direction of development in his neighbourhood.
Instead of relying entirely on external inputs, Suharyanta used information and inspiration from the Seger Waras programme (ECT WASH) to strengthen the vision and programmes that were already in the Kalurahan Government Work Plan (RKPK). He actively adjusted policy direction to be more inclusive and responsive to community needs, without having to wait for external assistance.
New Directions in Disaster Preparedness
One important transformation occurred in the aspect of disaster risk reduction. Previously, Disaster Risk Reduction Forum (FRB) activities in the village were only conducted when a disaster occurred. However, Suharyanta began to reorganise this approach to be more preventive. He decided that 2025 would be the year to implement a comprehensive disaster mitigation programme, involving village officials, cadres, and the community.
Concrete steps such as the provision of evacuation kits in strategic locations, the preparation of risk maps per hamlet, and the planning of rallying points for vulnerable groups became part of the strategy. All of this was made possible by the initiative and courage of local leaders, who were able to see the importance of emergency preparedness.
Participation-based Proper Sanitation
Another programme that shows the seriousness of change in Ngalang Kalurahan is the procurement of household septic tanks (sepals). Although no sepals were planned in the original 2024 budget, Suharyanta took the bold step of allocating funds from a budget amendment to build sanitation systems in 70 households.
The main focus of the programme was given to village cadres, with the hope that they could become pioneers and sources of inspiration for other residents. This approach demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of community participation in maintaining a clean environment on a sustainable basis.
Suharyanta realises that behavioural change cannot be imposed from the outside, but must be fostered through close and tangible examples. Therefore, he emphasises the importance of gotong royong in physical development, as well as ensuring that the community is involved and takes ownership of the programmes.
Inclusion as a Development Principle
One of the values that has been increasingly applied in Ngalang Village is inclusion. Through a process of learning and discussion, Suharyanta as the Village Head realised that making public spaces friendly to all, including people with disabilities and high-risk groups, does not have to be expensive or complicated.
The construction of bathrooms, handwashing stations, and village offices that are accessible to all residents is a priority. But more importantly, these changes do not simply follow trends or external pressures, but come from the realisation that every citizen has the right to equal access to public services.
Reflective and Adaptive Leadership
One of the things that sets Ngalang Village apart from other villages is its reflective and adaptive leadership style. Suharyanta openly admits that many new ideas and knowledge come through interactions with various parties, including ASB S-SEA through the Seger Waras programme. However, he does not passively wait for direction, but actively filters the information and then adapts it to the needs and capacity of his village.
According to him, the presence of humanitarian, educational and other institutions is a partner that helps open thinking horizons. However, the final decision is always based on conformity with planning documents and community approval through internal village institutions such as the BPD (Village Consultative Body).
For 2025, the Ngalang village government has designed a programme to increase the capacity of human resources, especially for cadres who spearhead implementation in the field. There is hope that collaboration with external parties will continue, but with a more scheduled and sustainable approach.
Suharyanta also said that the evaluation process is very important so that each programme can be improved and developed further. He wants the learning forums not to stop midway, so that the spirit of the community and village officials is maintained.
Change for the Better
Change in Ngalang Village is not the work of one party, but a combination of local leadership that is open to reform, community participation, and external references and inspiration. In this context, ASB S-SEA, through the Seger Waras programme (ECT WASH), is one of the factors enriching the process, rather than the sole determinant of the direction of development.
The story of Ngalang Village shows that true change starts from within. When a village head is willing to listen, learn and act on the needs of the community, collaboration with outsiders becomes an effective tool, not a substitute. It is this principle that has seen Kalurahan Ngalang slowly but surely move towards a more resilient, healthy and inclusive village for all.
