This study examines the challenges faced by the people of Papua and West Papua in implementing Community-Driven Development (CDD) programs and how they perceive these programs. The research focused on beneficiaries’ perceptions of the National Program for Community Empowerment (PNPM) and the Development Strategic Plan (RESPEK).

This study elicited diverse opinions, experiences and levels of program knowledge from beneficiaries in different walks of life, and the factors that contributed to these differences. In addition, this study looks at the similarities and differences in the knowledge and participation of both men and women from various positions and their involvement in village activities. Knowledge of beneficiary perceptions is necessary to understand the challenges of the PNPM and RESPEK programs in various social, cultural, political and local contexts.

The method used in this study is mini ethnography, specifically in 20 villages in five districts in Papua and West Papua. The mini ethnographic approach summarizes a wealth of information to understand the social, political and cultural complexities of implementing PNPM/RESPEK at the local level. This approach can provide an understanding of the diversity of community voices from various contexts in the village area. In mini-ethnography, data showing differences in perceptions are collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and group discussion techniques at the district level.

Overall the PNPM/RESPEK program was well received and considered beneficial by the local community. However, there is also dissatisfaction with program implementation which is felt to be not inclusive and participatory. The wide geographic spread and remoteness of Papua and West Papua influences program facilitation and support to communities. Other challenging factors influencing program implementation include strong geographic, language and customary structures (socio-political-cultural structures). In this regard, it is important for the facilitator to understand, be involved in, and mediate between various power groups and society in general.

This study concluded that the majority of beneficiaries, including non-elite groups, appreciated the PNPM/RESPEK investment and wanted the program to continue. However, the majority of the population also hoped that future programs would include increasing community involvement in the process as well as demonstrating the transparency of program information to everyone. This aspiration arises because the program has many weaknesses that hinder proper implementation, so it does not achieve its main goal of empowering the community. One of these obstacles is the complexity of administrative reporting which makes facilitators prioritize administrative reporting more than program objectives. Regarding women’s participation, this research found that women can be more empowered if they have space to hold meetings and ensure that the funds allocated in this program really reach women in society.