THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN PLANNING ANDIMPLEMENTING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS INMUSTIKASARI VILLAGE 2023

Development at the village level requires the application of participatory governanceprinciples to ensure that formulated policies and programs align with the real needs of thecommunity. Young men and women are a strategic group in development because they havethe capacity to act as agents of social change. This study aims to comprehensively analyze therole of young men and women in the planning and implementation of development programsin Mustikasari Village in 2023. This study used a qualitative method with a descriptiveanalytical approach. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, field observations, anddocumentation studies. The results show that development planning in Mustikasari Village hasbeen implemented through a formal, hierarchical Development Planning Meeting(Musrenbang) mechanism. However, the involvement of young men and women in the planningstage is still representative and has not been optimal quantitatively or substantively. At thedevelopment implementation stage, young men and women demonstrate a more significant rolethrough involvement in mutual cooperation activities, support for program implementation,and informal social monitoring of development outcomes. Supporting factors for youthinvolvement include institutional support and the existence of youth organizations, whileinhibiting factors include limited socialization, time constraints, and low development planningliteracy among youth. This study recommends strengthening the capacity and institutionalizingthe role of youth in all stages of village development.