Structural Model of Community Participation in Rural Development in Jambi Province, Indonesia

This study aims to examine the level of community participation and its enabling factors. The study covered 277 rural communities selected by the area sampling technique, at the district, sub-district, and village levels. The data were analyzed using the SEM-PLS method. The analysis results show that the level of community participation in Jambi Province in village development is influenced by internal community factors, such as socio-economic status and community culture, while community external factors, such as the role of mass media, village head leadership and public services hardly have any significant effect. Community culture variables mediate social media variables and socioeconomic status in determining community participation. Therefore, it is suggested that the government optimize the role of mass media as a medium of information, education and services to strengthen culture. The government must also provide feedback on the community participation in the development in the form of public facilities, economic stability, security and ease of access to education so that it will make it easier for the community to improve their socio-economic status, which in turn will create a good culture of social life. It is necessary to disseminate information within the community about various forms of services to the population that are easily accessible so that the community can feel their role and enjoy benefits of these services.