The Communication Process of the Village Consultative Body in Overseeing Infrastructure Development in Pagar Gunung Village

Abstract

The Village Consultative Body (BPD) holds a strategic position in village governance, including the function of supervising the performance of the village head and village development. This study analyzes the communication process of the BPD in supervising infrastructure development in Pagar Gunung Village, Kepahiang District, Kepahiang Regency, Bengkulu Province. The study employed a descriptive qualitative field research approach. Informants included the chair and members of the BPD, the village head, members of the Activity Management Team, and community representatives who were familiar with the planning and implementation of infrastructure development. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation and analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification. The findings show that supervisory communication began at the planning deliberation stage and continued through implementation, field supervision, delivery of warnings, and follow-up evaluation. Communication was two-way because the BPD, village government, and Activity Management Team alternated roles as communicators and recipients. Minor discrepancies were communicated directly to the Activity Management Team, whereas serious problems were conveyed through the village head according to the accountability structure. Communication was considered effective when supervisory messages were understood, received responses, and resulted in corrective actions. Identified obstacles included differences of interest in determining development locations, unequal understanding of technical aspects, and supervisory records that were not always systematic. Strengthening formal communication, supervisory documentation, and feedback to the community is needed to support transparency and accountability in village infrastructure development.