Governance Issues in Revolving Fund Management: Evaluating UPK’s Role in Empowering Self-Help Groups

Abstract

Poverty remains a significant challenge in Indonesia, with 9.82% of the population classified as poor in 2018. To address this issue, the Kota Tanpa Kumuh (Kotaku) program was launched to revitalize slum areas through infrastructure development and economic empowerment initiatives, including revolving funds managed by the Village Financial Management Unit (UPK). This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach to examine UPK’s fund management in Kudubanjar Jaya. The findings highlight administrative shortcomings and fund misallocation, which hinder the program’s ability to effectively support community business initiatives. Strengthening financial accountability is crucial to enhancing the program's overall impact.