Community Participation in the Development of Sustainable, Environmentally Conscious Villages in the Cirasea Sub-Watershed, Indonesia

Abstract

The establishment of green villages has been a key initiative of the Citarum Harum program since 2015 in order to address pollution in the Citarum watershed, particularly in the Cirasea sub-watershed. This program’s success depends largely on community involvement in planning and implementation. Thie aim of this study was to identify the extent of community participation in developing environmentally conscious hamlets in Cirasea. Using a mixed-methods approach—quantitative surveys followed by qualitative interviews and observations—data were collected from 10 villages. The findings show varying participation levels, influenced by socioeconomic conditions, program characteristics, environmental issues, and institutional support. Community involvement was assessed across the planning, implementation, benefit-taking, and evaluation stages. Participation was very extensive in decision-making and implementation, as well as in evaluation, but it was less satisfactory in benefit-taking. This research underscores the critical role of inclusive community engagement in ensuring the success and sustainability of environmental development programs.

1. Introduction

Development is a shift from one national condition to another considered better and more valuable [1,2]. Additionally, development is a multidimensional process involving significant changes in structure, socio-economic systems, societal attitudes, and national institutions; the acceleration of economic growth; reductions in unemployment and inequality; and the eradication of absolute poverty [2,3]. This concept implies that development is a process aimed at bringing about changes intended to improve the quality of life for a community [4]. An overly centralized development strategy exemplifies the past bureaucratic uncertainty towards the variations in local community development and a lack of responsiveness toward the needs and interests of rural communities. This has stifled participation and communities’ desire to develop local potential naturally [5,6,7,8,9].

Human resources (HR) have a central position in realizing development performance, positioning humans as development resources. In this context, the price and value of humans are determined by the relevance of their contribution to the production process. To ensure sustainable development is achieved, communities must actively adapt their skills and knowledge to meet evolving societal demands, thereby improving human quality through education and skill development, aligning with Smith’s emphasis on societal needs and Johnson and Patel’s focus on building community resilience [10,11]. The awareness of sustainable development concerns emerged in 1987 with the publication of Our Common Future by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) [12,13]. This book triggered a novel agenda for economic development within the environmental context of sustainable development. The WCED defined sustainable development as an approach intended to fulfill the needs of the current generation while preserving the capacity of future generations to meet their own needs.

An environmentally conscious village, also known as a green village, is a community-based development approach that integrates local cultural values, environmentally friendly behavior, and active citizen participation in environmental stewardship. This concept emphasizes not only the improvement of environmental quality but also the strengthening of social capacity and long-term economic sustainability at the community level. According to [14], green village initiatives are locally based environmental management strategies that encourage communities to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors through activities such as water conservation, household-level waste management, reforestation, and renewable energy utilization. This aligns with the concept of ecodevelopment [15], which highlights the integration of ecological, social, and economic systems within a collaboratively managed territory. The environmentally conscious village program is another one of the Indonesian government’s initiatives in supporting the development of the Citarum River Basin (DAS Citarum). The aim of this program is to empower communities to increase their awareness and active role in environmental preservation, particularly in areas that contribute to the ecological health of the Citarum watershed.

In 2018, as a form of commitment to addressing the issues affecting the Citarum River, the Indonesian government issued Presidential Regulation No. 15 of 2018 on the Acceleration of Pollution and Environmental Damage Control in the Citarum River Basin (Citarum Watershed). As part of this initiative, the government launched an action plan program known as “West Java BESTARI” (Bersih—clean, Sehat—healthy, Indah—beautiful, and Lestari—sustainable). In line with this, the West Java Provincial Environmental Agency designed activities that would help develop Environmentally Conscious Villages.

The activities designed for the development of these environmentally conscious villages include efforts to rehabilitate approximately 199,514 hectares of critical land, improve waste management, and address issues related to floating net cages (keramba jaring apung). The Cirasea Sub-Watershed is one of the upstream sub-watersheds of the Citarum River. The major environmental problems in this area include critical land wastage caused by land conversion and erosion, unmanaged domestic wastewater (with many households still lacking septic tanks), and inadequate solid waste management. Additionally, livestock waste is still being directly discharged into rivers. The growth in tourism and industrialization in several areas surrounding the Citarum River Basin has also led to further land conversion and environmental degradation.

Participation has long been a buzzword among officials, from the central to the village levels, emphasizing that development and the sustainability of its outcomes will not succeed without “community participation”. However, the concept of community participation used by officials differs significantly from the actual concept of participation. According to officials, community participation primarily concerns paying taxes; implementing government policies; adopting introduced technologies; consuming domestic products; contributing materials such as land, stones, and cement; and so on.

To achieve successful rural community development, all planning, implementation, and evaluation programs must involve the community, as the members of a community are the ones who understand the problems and requirements relating to developing a given area. They are the ones who will ultimately benefit from and evaluate the success or failure of the development of their region. According to [10], communities must adapt their skills and knowledge to meet the evolving demands of society, emphasizing that human quality must align with societal needs for effective development. According to [11], improving human quality—through education and skill development—is essential in order to allow communities to effectively respond to societal demands and changes, thus ensuring sustainable development.

The importance of the participation of communities in planning aligns with the perspective outlined in [16], which further highlights three main reasons why it is crucial: (1) community participation is a tool that can be used to obtain information about the conditions, needs, and attitudes of the local community; (2) a community is more likely to trust and support development programs if it is involved in their preparation and planning, as its member will have a better understanding of the intricacies of these programs and will feel a sense of ownership towards them; and (3) encouraging public participation fosters a sense of democratic rights, as it is perceived as a right for the community to be involved in development. In line with the implementation of regional autonomy, there have been fundamental changes in the National Development Planning process, which also impacts the Regional Development Planning process. Participation has become a key term in development and a characteristic of good governance. Etymologically, participation comes from the English word “participation”, which means taking part or involvement. In the comprehensive Indonesian dictionary, “partisipasi” is defined as participation or involvement in an activity.

The success of implementing regional development programs is often marked by the role and participation of the community involved in the development area. According to [17], the challenges faced in implementing such a program include a lack of community participation in project activities, which is due to a shortage of skilled workers and a lack of trust in a government’s ability to manage the program. According to [18], participation can be defined as a process of the involvement, engagement, and solidarity of citizens, either as individuals or social groups, grounded in the citizens’ awareness, whether direct or indirect, without coercion from any party.

The Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management (PPLH Law) defines the environment in Article 1, Paragraph (1), as an integrated space comprising all elements, forces, conditions, and living beings, including humans and their actions, that impact nature, the continuity of life, and the well-being of both humans and other organisms. In essence, the environment encompasses everything surrounding humans and plays a significant role in shaping their development. Human behavior is often one of the factors determining the condition of the surrounding environment during its development [19]. In line with this, the current state of the environment cannot be separated from environmental problems caused by humans. Due to the citizens’ lack of awareness of how to protect and preserve the environment, they are the main cause of current environmental problems [20]. There are several environmental phenomena that occur in Indonesia; these environmental problems can be caused by nature as well as human activities. They include flooding, forest damage, air pollution, critical land destruction, and so on [21].

According to [22], the formation of Community Self-Help Groups (KSM) is more challenging among members of the upper-middle class, as they often take a pragmatic approach to waste management. This community segment relies solely on sanitation workers to collect their waste, believing that their monthly waste fees cover this service. However, with door-to-door education, this initiative has been quite effective. Every neighborhood gathering, from the RW (community association) to the RT (neighborhood unit) levels, provides an opportunity to educate residents about the “Kang Pisman” program. Each urban village requires a tailored approach to foster community involvement. Prior research has outlined three main reasons why it is important to involve communities in developmental planning and decision-making: (1) their involvement serves as a preliminary step in preparing the community for participation and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the development programs being implemented; (2) involvement is a tool for gathering information on the needs, conditions, and attitudes of the local community; and (3) community involvement gives a community the right to participate in determining which development programs will be implemented [23].

The development of national parks and the surrounding communities are mutually dependent [24]. Initially introduced by an American artist, national parks serve as protected areas aimed at conserving ecosystems while offering recreational opportunities [25,26]. Tourism in national parks not only ensures ecological preservation but also contributes to the development of nearby communities by creating job opportunities, improving infrastructure, enhancing residents’ quality of life, and facilitating greater interaction with the broader world [27,28,29]. Additionally, as both the bearers of traditional culture and key players in maintaining the ecological environment, local communities play a central role in tourism development. The expansion of tourism influences shifts in cultural and environmental conservation practices among residents, while the residents’ pursuit of economic benefits significantly impacts the long-term sustainability of national parks [30,31].

Generally, the participation of communities in development refers to the involvement of all members or representatives of a community in making decisions during the planning and management of development. This includes deciding which activities will be implemented, which benefits will be obtained, and how to achieve and evaluate the desired outcomes. According to [32], the stages of program participation include: (a) decision-making, which involves determining alternatives in collaboration with the community to reach an agreement on various ideas concerning common interests; (b) implementation, which involves mobilizing resources and funds (the implementation stage is crucial in determining the success of the program); (c) benefit-taking, which refers to participation related to the quality of the program outcomes that can be achieved; and (d) evaluation, which is related to the overall implementation of the program, aiming to assess how the program is being carried out. When all four types of participation are engaged in together, they can lead to integrated and potentially successful development activities.

In this study, ‘community participation’ is operationalized as active engagement of residents at each program stage—from planning meetings through voluntary labor contributions to financial or in-kind support—and is quantified by indicators such as meeting attendance frequency, total volunteer hours, and volume of resources contributed [32,33]. Research on community participation in program implementation has been widely conducted. A review was carried out using major data sources such as Scopus, focusing on community participation or similar configurations by applying the PRISMA framework. The search involved English-language articles within the Scopus database. Scopus, known as the largest database of peer-reviewed research, also served as a significant resource for this study [34]. The available research on environmental damage clearly shows that an awareness of ecological understanding already exists, but it is still lacking in terms of accuracy, depth, and clarity and evidence of actualization [35].

The keywords used were participation, community, community participation, community development, etc. Several criteria were applied, including English language, journal articles as document sources, article type, and publication between 2018 and 2024. Based on these keywords, 2460 articles were found, and restrictions on subject area, document type, and other facets were applied to 1224 articles, and then 920 articles after the authors checked for duplicates, leaving 655 articles. Further screening narrowed the list to 476 articles. These articles were then sorted more specifically, leaving 243 articles. The next stage was a bibliometric analysis, conducted to complement the systematic literature review with the ability to summarize large quantities of data.

According to [36], bibliometrics is a quantitative approach used to examine trends and patterns within a specific field of study by utilizing bibliographic data. In this study, the analysis was performed using VOSviewer version 1.6.20. The VOSviewer input data are ris-shaped data obtained from Scopus. These data constitute the abstracts, titles, and keywords of articles processed using the PRISMA diagram. The resulting map is based on text data, which are data obtained from the titles and abstracts of articles. The counting method used was full counting. The data were processed and displayed in the form of networks, overlays, and density visualizations. Network visualization is used to show words that have a strong relationship in order to allow the formation of clusters, which are shown in different colors. Overlay visualization displays words that appear adjusted to the year an article was published. Meanwhile, density visualization displays the density of the number of words based on the frequency of occurrence of words in the abstract, title, and keywords of an article (Figure 1).

Various attempts have been made to address these challenges, including the development of environmentally conscious villages as a means of fostering environmentally conscious communities and promoting sustainable development in West Java. Although this program ran from 2014 to 2019, many goals have yet to be achieved. Therefore, a comprehensive and holistic study, both theoretical and methodological, on sustainable environmentally culture villages is necessary. This study discusses communities’ participation in the development of environmentally conscious villages.

Differences from previous studies: The key difference between this study and prior references is its holistic and interdisciplinary approach. While previous works have discussed sustainability, participatory development, or environmental conservation individually, this research combines these aspects to provide a more comprehensive framework for developing environmentally conscious villages. Tufte and Mefalopulos (2009) focused on participatory communication but did not specifically address environmentally conscious villages [37]. Sanyal and Rao (2019) examined deliberative democracy in village assemblies but did not integrate sustainability principles [38]. Sivesind and Saglie (2017) discussed active citizenship in Scandinavian welfare systems but lacked a focus on environmental sustainability [18].

The novelty of studies of community participation lies in their evolving focus and methodological approaches. Recent research not only examines the levels and factors influencing participation but also delves into its long-term impact on sustainability and the empowerment of communities. The contributions of this study are as follows:

• It explores community participation within the specific context of developing environmentally conscious villages, a relatively under-researched area.
• It addresses participation across multiple stages, including decision-making, implementation, benefit utilization, and evaluation, providing a comprehensive view.
• It investigates participation in the framework of sustainable development, emphasizing its alignment with environmental and social goals.
• It incorporates a mixed-methods approach, which integrates qualitative insights and quantitative analyses, enriching the depth and applicability of the findings.

These aspects highlight how this study extends beyond traditional perspectives, contributing valuable insights into the dynamics of community engagement in achieving sustainable and environmentally conscious development.

The successful implementation of regional development programs is highly dependent on community involvement. There have been many studies on program development conducted using top-down and bottom-up approaches. The environmentally conscious village development program is a government program. Program development utilizing top-down and bottom-up approaches has been extensively explored across various sectors, including village development, environmental management, and policy planning. The top-down approach is commonly employed by central authorities to establish frameworks, regulations, and strategic directions that guide implementation at local levels. This method ensures alignment with national objectives and provides an overarching direction. In contrast, the bottom-up approach emphasizes the importance of local community involvement, allowing stakeholders to articulate their specific needs and aspirations, resulting in more relevant and sustainable solutions.

According to [39], combining these approaches in forest conservation enhanced local engagement and fostered sustainable outcomes. In regard to urban development, reference [40] demonstrated that while top-down policies address infrastructural challenges, bottom-up approaches amplify community support and adaptability. A study conducted by [41] on “musrenbang” (community development planning meetings) underscored the importance of integrating community participation in environmental village planning, showcasing the application of a bottom-up approach within a top-down policy framework. As [42] highlights, local context shapes participation metrics: at the village level, cultural norms and customary institutions (for example, the obligation to attend traditional assemblies) must inform and adapt the measurement instruments.

The relationship between humans, their surroundings, and nature is deeply interconnected and reciprocal. Humans rely on nature to fulfill their needs, such as air, water, food, and other resources, while the sustainability of ecosystems is significantly influenced by human behavior toward the environment. Reference [43] explained that humans’ interaction with the environment is shaped by their worldview, often influenced by culture, religion, and technological development. Exploitative attitudes can lead to environmental degradation, whereas harmonious perspectives foster balance. The human ecology approach, as described by [44], highlights that humans are an integral part of ecosystems and inseparable from their natural surroundings. Human activities, such as urbanization, agriculture, and industrialization, significantly impact ecosystem cycles. Conversely, environmental changes, including natural disasters or climate change, also affect human life, influencing migration patterns and consumption behaviors.

Furthermore, reference [45] argued that human sustainability can only be achieved by acknowledging that humanity is part of an interconnected web of life. Thus, human actions toward the environment—whether exploitative or conservative—directly impact ecosystem balance. The concept of deep ecology, developed by [46], emphasizes that nature’s intrinsic value is independent of its utility to humans. This philosophy urges humans to treat the environment with respect and responsibility. In contemporary contexts, challenges such as the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution demonstrate that the relationship between humans and nature is crucial not only for ecosystem sustainability but also human well-being [47]. Recognizing this interdependence forms the foundation of conservation efforts, sustainable development, and adaptation to environmental changes.

Sustainable community participation plays an important role in the success of village development programs, as the active involvement of local residents fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that initiatives align with community needs and aspirations. However, in Indonesia, many development programs face challenges due to low levels of community participation, often stemming from a lack of awareness, trust in governance, or perceived relevance of the programs. To address these gaps, this study aims to assess the levels of community participation in developing environmentally sustainable villages. By revealing participation trends and barriers, this research provides insights into strategies for enhancing involvement and achieving long-term development goals.

2. Materials and Methods

This study, conducted in Bandung Regency within the Cirasea Sub-watershed (DAS), was conducted using a case study approach. A purposive sampling method was utilized, with the research site selected deliberately based on the fact that the Cirasea Sub-watershed is the uppermost section of the Upper Citarum Watershed. Bandung Regency was chosen as the case study location due to its large population and its significance as part of a broader community that directly interacts with and depends on the sub-watershed for the population’s livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

Bandung Regency, located in West Java, Indonesia, is a region with a population exceeding 3.6 million people as of 2020. This substantial population density presents unique challenges and opportunities concerning environmental sustainability and community engagement. The selection of Bandung Regency, specifically the Cirasea Sub-watershed, for this case study was influenced by several factors. (1) Strategic environmental importance: The Cirasea Sub-watershed is the most upstream part of the Upper Citarum watershed. Its condition significantly impacts water quality and ecosystem health downstream, affecting millions who rely on the Citarum River. (2) Community dynamics: The dense population of Bandung Regency offers a rich context with which to examine community participation. Understanding how such a large community engages in environmentally conscious village development can provide insights applicable to other regions facing similar demographic pressures. (3) Comparative relevance: Compared to other parts of the nation, Bandung Regency’s blend of urban and rural characteristics makes it an ideal microcosm for studying the balance between development and environmental conservation. The lessons learned here can inform policies and practices in other regions with comparable socio-environmental contexts. By focusing on Bandung Regency, this study aims to explore the intricate relationship between population dynamics, community involvement, and environmental stewardship, offering valuable perspectives for broader applications across Indonesia.

2.1. Data Sources

The data in this study comprise both primary and secondary sources. Primary data constitute information obtained firsthand from an original source without the involvement of any intermediaries. They include results from observations of physical objects, events, or activities, as well as testing results, and may also consist of individual or group opinions. The respondents in this study were members of an environmentally conscious village community, which was composed of 20 people from the local population in the development area. The participants were not selected based on gender, age, or occupation but rather their involvement in the environmentally conscious village initiative. All individuals who participated in the program were considered respondents. However, in some areas, the number of participants was less than 20 due to factors such as relocation or the passing of some community members.

Secondary data constitute information obtained indirectly through an intermediary medium or data collected and recorded by other parties. In this study, secondary data support the initial data collection as a research output. These data include information obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, and other related institutions. The Cirasea sub-watershed area covers five districts (Kecamatan). A total of 10 villages (Sukapura Village, Tarumajaya Village, Loa Village, Karangtunggal Village, Cikitu Village, Sukarame Village, Cibeet Village, Karyalaksana Village, Neglasari Village, and Majalaya Village) were selected, each of which is part of the environmentally conscious village program. From each village, 20 members were selected, resulting in a total of 200 respondents.

2.1.1. Primary Data

Primary data constitute information obtained directly from a source by the data collector. In contrast, secondary data are obtained indirectly from other sources. Primary data in this study were gathered through field studies, involving the direct collection of information, data, and facts at the research site through the following methods:

• Questionnaire distribution—This data collection method entails presenting respondents with a series of written questions or statements to be answered. A questionnaire may include closed or open-ended questions [48]. A structured interview is conducted using the questionnaire as a guide, where respondents are asked a series of written questions related to their attitudes, views, and responses toward various variables being studied. The questionnaire we utilized was rated using a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), a scale widely adopted in social science research for its ability to capture the intensity of respondents’ attitudes and perceptions [49,50].
• Observation—This method of collecting primary data involves direct observation of farmers (in this case) and other research subjects, using all five senses. Observation is essential for identifying commodities, observing farmers’ agricultural skills, technologies used, supporting agricultural facilities, and so forth. It is a method of data collection that entails social interaction between the researcher and informants within a research setting (field observation of the research object). The observations are made by watching and recording all events, aiming to verify the facts present in the field [51].
• In-depth interviewing—This data collection method involves conducting detailed, in-depth interviews with respondents to obtain more comprehensive information. It is especially useful when further explanation is needed regarding the responses to the questionnaire.
• Research informant consultation—This refers to consultation with individuals knowledgeable about the research subject and capable of providing explanations relevant to the research objectives. In this study, the informants are key persons, including all stakeholders involved in decision-making for the development of environmentally conscious villages in West Java. These stakeholders range from farmers, village heads, and cadres involved in the development of environmentally conscious villages to stakeholders engaged in the management of the Cirasea Sub-Watershed.

2.1.2. Secondary Data

Secondary data were gathered from documentation and literary sources, such as journals, books, online materials, and other written publications from institutions relevant to the research focus. This process included reviewing documents from relevant agencies, such as the Central Bureau of Statistics of West Java; the Head of Agriculture, Plantation, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry Offices of West Java; the Head of the Spatial Planning Office of West Java; the Environmental Management Agency of West Java Province; the Regional Development Planning Agency of West Java Province; BPSub-DAS Citarum-Ciliwung; BBWS; the Department of Environmental Affairs; official websites; and other agencies relevant to the research field, as well as conducting a literature review. The collection of secondary data in this study was conducted through a literature review, gathering information relevant to the research topic from various sources, such as institutions related to the research, research journals, books, other academic studies, and internal facilities.

2.2. Sampling Method

We determined which data sources to use in this study using probability sampling, specifically the cluster random sampling technique, which involves region-based sampling. Cluster sampling is a technique applied to groups that are similar but diverse internally. Cluster random sampling involves randomizing groups rather than individual subjects [52]. Instead of selecting the entire population, cluster sampling allows researchers to gather data more effectively by dividing them into smaller groups. As the respondents’ characteristics, such as gender, age, livelihoods, community characteristics, socio-economic factors, culture factors, program characteristics, environmental conditions, and institutional support, may differ from one development area to another, it is clear that the results reflect their experiences and may not be fully representative of the entire community.

The cluster sampling technique was carried out as follows:

• Define the Sample: Identify the target audience and sample size, create and evaluate the sampling frame by using existing sources or building it according to the target audience, and assess the sampling frame based on coverage and grouping to fit the research needs.
• Determine Clusters: Establish the number of clusters by evenly distributing members into each cluster, ensuring that each cluster is distinct from the others.
• Select Clusters: Randomly select clusters for sampling.
• Geographical Segmentation: Use geographic segmentation as a common parameter for cluster sampling.
• Form Subtypes: Cluster sampling involves narrowing down the sampling process into specific subtypes, such as one-stage or multi-stage sampling, which will be discussed further.
• Classify Cluster Sampling: This can be performed in two ways: the first method is based on the number of steps required to obtain the cluster sample, while the second involves ensuring that each group within the clusters represents the entire cluster. We applied the first approach, as it is most commonly used in cluster sampling. Often, cluster sampling follows certain stages, i.e., the steps taken to reach the desired sample. Therefore, cluster sampling can be categorized into one-stage cluster sampling, two-stage cluster sampling, and multi-stage cluster sampling.

The Citarum River Basin (DAS Citarum) consists of several sub-watersheds directly connected to it, such as the Cibalagung, Cibeet, Cihaur, Cikao, Cikapundung, Cikeruh, Cikundul, Cimeta, Cilangkap, Ciminyak, Cirasea, Cisangkuy, Cisokan, Citarik, Lower Citarum, Ciwidey, and Jatiluhur Catchment Area sub-watersheds. This study was conducted in the Cirasea Sub-Watershed in Bandung Regency, West Java Province, selected as the first upstream sub-watershed in the Citarum River Basin. Hence, a watershed can be understood as a system composed of various interconnected components, necessitating a comprehensive and integrated management approach. The Citarum River, the longest in West Java Province, spans 297 km from its source at Situ Cisanti, located on the slopes of Mount Wayang in Cibeureum Village, Kertasari Subdistrict, Bandung Regency, to its estuary in the Java Sea in Pantai Bahagia Village, Muara Gembong Subdistrict, Bekasi Regency [12,53].

The mountains located within the Cirasea Sub-Watershed include Mount Wayang, Mount Beling, Mount Sanggar, Mount Sangser, and others. Based on soil-type data from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Cirasea Sub-Watershed is classified into three soil types: andosol, cambisol, and latosol. Andosol soil is found in mountainous areas, while cambisol and latosol are found in flat to moderately steep areas. The Cirasea Sub-Watershed is predominantly composed of hilly areas. According to slope classification, the Cirasea Sub-Watershed ranges from flat to very steep. The flat areas are located in Majalaya District, while the very steep areas are in Ibun District. Respondents for this study were community members residing within the Cirasea Sub-Watershed who were involved in the development of environmentally conscious villages. There are 56 villages across 5 districts within the Cirasea Sub-Watershed, contributing a total of 200 respondents. All respondents/subjects provided informed consent before participating in this study, which was conducted in accordance with approval from the Directorate of Research, Community Service, and Innovation (DRPMI) of Universitas Padjadjaran through an internal grant from Universitas Padjadjaran.

2.3. Research Methodology

The quantitative method employed is based on the philosophical foundations of positivism and neopositivism [54]. The structure, process, and theoretical background rely on the basic assumptions of the positivist paradigm, which holds that reality is objective, human behavior is governed by fixed laws, and that facts should be separated from values. Both natural and social sciences use the same logical and methodological foundation, limiting explanations solely to empirical evidence.

The design used in this research is a mixed-methods approach. Reference [48] describes the sequential combination model as a research procedure where the researcher develops findings from one method with the support of another. This approach is called sequential because the methods are combined in an ordered sequence. When the first stage involves the use of a quantitative method followed by a qualitative method, it is referred to as a sequential explanatory combination. Conversely, when the first stage involves the use of a quantitative method followed by a qualitative method, it is called a sequential exploratory combination model.

• Participation in decision-making refers to the involvement of a community in the decision-making and policy-setting processes of an organization. This form of participation provides an opportunity for the community to express their opinions and evaluate a plan or program to be implemented. The community is also given the chance to assess an ongoing decision or policy. Participation in decision-making is a process in which development priorities are selected and formed into programs aligned with the interests of the community. By involving the community, individuals indirectly gain experience in democratically shaping their own future.
• Participation in implementation is the involvement of the community in the operational activities of development based on an established program. In the implementation of development programs, community participation can be observed in terms of the number of active participants, the forms of contributions made (e.g., labor, materials, and money, in whole or in part), whether participation is direct or indirect, the level of enthusiasm, and whether participation is occasional or repeated.
• Participation in benefit-taking refers to community involvement in enjoying or utilizing the results of development achieved through the implementation of a program.
• Participation in evaluation is community involvement in assessing and supervising development activities and their outcomes. This assessment can be carried out directly, such as by participating in supervision and evaluation, or indirectly, such as by providing suggestions, critiques, or protests.

From the explanation above, the conceptual framework of the research on community participation in the development of sustainable environmentally conscious villages is presented in Figure 2.

The dimensions measured are included in this section. Figure 2 illustrates the conceptual framework developed based on a review of the relevant literature. As this study focuses on participation in government-initiated programs, the measurement of participation is structured in stages. Stage 1: planning and decision-making—this includes community involvement in activities such as program socialization, meetings, public consultations, or deliberations regarding planned initiatives. Stage 2: implementation—this includes participation during program implementation, the reception and utilization of program benefits, and involvement in program evaluation. Participation is categorized into five levels: 1. poor, 2. fairly poor, 3. adequate, 4. good, and 5. very good. These categories are used to interpret and classify the intensity and quality of participation across different program stages.

Permissions and data protection: This research activity has received approval from Universitas Padjadjaran in 2024 under the Universitas Padjadjaran Internal Grant Scheme 2024 for Accelerated Lecturer Research (approval number: 1757/UN6.3.1/PT/2024). The research team holds official assignments from Universitas Padjadjaran. Data collection was conducted using a hybrid approach: offline for producer community involvement and online via Google Forms for consumer-based data collection. This process complies with the Personal Data Protection Law (UUDP) No. 27 of 2022 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union.

Additionally, this survey upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, diversity, and equal rights to provide opinions for all groups. Some of the data protection mechanisms used by Google Forms are given below:

• SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Encryption: This is conducted to secure communication between users and Google servers. The data collected via Google Forms are also encrypted when stored on researcher\u2019’s official Universitas Padjadjaran account.
• Access Control: The data collected can only be managed by researcher\u2019’s official Universitas Padjadjaran account via the university\u2019’s official email domain (unpad.ac.id).
• Compliance: Adherence to personal data protection regulations.

Respondent Data Protection and Usage Policy:

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Explicit consent from respondents was obtained before collecting and processing personal data.

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Assurance of individual rights to access, modify, and delete their personal data collected via the survey form was provided. The respondents could also fully withdraw their data and opt-out of the survey.

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Two types of data were collected: (1) personal/identification data (name, gender, age, education, occupation, address, etc.) and (2) data on community participation in developing environmentally conscious villages, focusing on environmental management efforts to create sustainable environmentally conscious villages in the Citarum Watershed area.

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The data collected were strictly used for research purposes to achieve harmony between humans and their environment and to evaluate community participation in environmental management efforts. Private data (e.g., names, addresses, phone numbers) are not displayed in the research results.

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Violations of data compliance by institutions or researchers will be subject to sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations. The research team is bound by cooperation agreements concerning Universitas Padjadjaran.

3. Result and Discussion

In the context of development, according to [55], community participation refers to the active involvement and engagement of community members in development efforts, including their participation in the planning and execution of development programs or projects within local communities. It represents individuals’ willingness to contribute and make sacrifices for the successful implementation of these initiatives as well as their commitment to doing so. According to Law Number 25 of 2004 (explanation of Article 2, Paragraph 4, Letter d), community participation is defined as a community members’ involvement in ensuring that their interests are considered in the development-planning process.

According to [55], community participation is community empowerment and participation in the planning and implementation of development programs/projects, and it is also the actualization of the will of the community to sacrifice and contribute to the implementation of development. Community empowerment, as a development management strategy, requires (a) direct involvement of the community in the entire development management process, (b) the government and all development management institutions to create the widest possible access for the community to play an active role in the development process, and (c) the democratization of development management at the community level [56].

Participation is also a critical component of sustainable development, as highlighted by [57] regarding the “ladder of citizen participation”, which emphasizes the need for meaningful involvement in decision-making to ensure that development outcomes align with community priorities. Additionally, studies like those by [58] in Localizing Development: Does Participation Work? emphasize that participatory approaches to development often lead to more contextually relevant and impactful outcomes. This definition aligns with [57] the Ladder of Citizen Participation, which distinguishes not only the extent of attendance but also the depth of involvement—ranging from passive spectatorship to genuine decision-making power.

The principle of participation emphasizes the need to empower communities by providing opportunities and involving them in bureaucratic processes, from planning and implementation to supervision and public policy. Community participation serves as a check on excessive power, ensuring that governance is more effective and aligned with the needs of the people within the framework of good governance. Creating spaces for citizen involvement and establishing an appropriate institutional framework for participation also contribute to promoting development and fostering equity. The following are the results of the analysis of the level of community participation in the development of sustainability environmentally conscious villages in each stage of participation.

3.1. Planning Stage (Decision-Making)

Community participation in decision-making primarily involves determining alternatives in conjunction with the community to reach an agreement on various ideas related to common interests. This form of participation is crucial because the community will demand to have a say in determining the direction and orientation of development. The manifestation of community participation in decision-making takes various forms, such as attending meetings, engaging in discussions, providing input, and expressing responses to or rejections of proposed programs [32].

Thus, community participation in decision-making is a process of selecting alternatives based on comprehensive and rational considerations. Decision-making involves determining alternatives with the community to reach an agreement on various ideas concerning shared interests. Reference [59] states that the objectives of a series of community-based planning activities include several aspects, such as (1) reducing various barriers between the community and their government, or, in other words, transforming a relationship from political opposition to dialogue and sharing authority beneficial to both parties, and (2) encouraging the community and government officials (across sectors) to jointly find solutions to the common problems they face while also contributing to the democratization of development by building local capacity to promote participatory regional development management as a result of the approaches taken.

Development processes, especially during the planning stage, require collaborative mechanisms between development actors and residents. Such collaboration is intended to achieve efficient, effective, equitable, and sustainable utilization of potential resources [60]. One example of fostering community participation in decision-making is through the formulation of medium-term development plans (RPJM) or government work plans (RKP). This process often involves “Musyawarah Perencanaan Pembangunan (Musrenbang)” is a Development Planning Deliberation, a participatory planning forum that encourages active community involvement. Through Musrenbang, communities can articulate their needs, which can then be incorporated into formal development plans [41]. Furthermore, villages’ authority to make autonomous decisions reflects the enduring principle of self-reliance that has historically been a hallmark of village governance.

In general, planning originates from the word “plan”, which means a design or framework for achieving something. According to [61], planning is essentially a conscious, organized, and continuous effort to select the best alternative from several options to achieve a specific goal. Meanwhile, reference [61] states that planning is a form of intellectual exercise aimed at processing facts and situations as they are and seeking solutions to problems. Reference [62] further describes planning as the art of determining how to make something happen in the future. Another definition is provided by [63], who states that planning is generally the process of preparing a set of decisions to be implemented in the future, aimed at achieving certain objectives.

Decision-making through the participation of the community is related to the stages of participation in planning or decision-making, including the stage of program preparation, who is involved, determining the development area, socialization, etc.. The communities involved are invited to attend every development activity. Decision-making is related to attendance at each development activity. The community receives an invitation, there is a desire to attend, and then the community is present. In each activity, there is a poll; this decides whether the community participates in expressing opinions/ideas and suggestions related to the implementation of the program that will be implemented or not. And after the planning of the program’s implementation, arranging and organizing the implementation of this program will be carried out, including what will be implemented, how it will be implemented, etc., in addition to making other decisions in each of the other stages of participation, namely, implementation, benefit-taking, and evaluation.

According to [64], planning is a method of achieving goals in the best possible way (achieving maximum output) with the available resources, ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness. The cited author also notes that planning involves determining the objectives to be achieved or actions to be taken: how, when, and by whom. Reference [65] suggests that planning is a continuous process involving decisions or choices on the use of available resources with the goal of achieving specific objectives in the future. As for the details of the results of the analysis of each stage in participation, they are explained as follows.

Figure 3 shows that community participation in the decision-making and planning of sustainable environmentally conscious village program development in the Cirasea Sub-Watershed of West Java Province includes the fulfillment of meeting invitations, participation in meetings, being able to convey ideas or ideas in development, and conducting meetings about results obtained in decision-making. The community received an invitation for participation in the sustainable environmentally conscious village implementation program in the Cirasea Sub-Watershed of West Java Province. Various studies have shown that a high level of community participation, particularly during the planning and decision-making stages, significantly contributes to the long-term sustainability of programs. Reference [33] developed a typology of participation emphasizing that interactive participation—where communities are actively involved in decision-making and program planning—is more likely to yield sustainable outcomes due to a strong sense of ownership over a program.

Furthermore, reference [66], in her theory Governing the Commons, argued that the success of managing common-pool resources greatly depends on the extent to which local communities are involved in rule-making and decision processes. High levels of participation enhance legitimacy, commitment, and compliance with collectively agreed outcomes. In the context of environmental programs, [67], in his systematic review of participation in environmental management, emphasized that meaningful and inclusive participation not only improves decision quality but also strengthens the social capacity required for long-term sustainability.

3.2. Implementation Stage

Community participation in program implementation is a continuation of the plans that have been agreed upon previously, both with regard to planning, implementation, and objectives. In program implementation, the involvement of various elements is needed, especially the government in its position as the focus or main source of development.

According to [68], the scope of participation in the implementation of a program includes, first, mobilizing resources and funds; second, administrative and coordination activities; and third, program elaboration. From the description above, it can be concluded that community participation in program implementation is an element that determines the success of the program itself. Implementation consists of mobilizing resources and funds. Implementation is a determinant of the success of the program implemented.

Figure 4 shows that community participation in the Implementation Stage of Sustainable environmentally conscious village development in the Cirasea Sub-Watershed of West Java Province is included in the good category for direct community involvement in development activities and mutual cooperation in cleaning the area in the Cirasea Sub-Watershed both adjacent to the watershed location and the surrounding area, which is still included in the development village area. Participation in the event was also very good. The community enthusiastically participated in environmentally conscious village development activities in the Cirasea Sub-Watershed. According to [69], the collective success of community development is heavily influenced by levels of trust, social networks, and norms of cooperation—all of which are essential elements in green village initiatives.

Community participation serves as a foundational element that continues to significantly impact development efforts, particularly because it is integral to the implementation of development activities. Village development is a critical step where community efforts are integrated with government initiatives [70]. This finding aligns with the conclusions of [33], who emphasized that participatory implementation, especially through interactive and self-mobilized participation, strengthens ownership and responsibility regarding shared outcomes. Additionally, reference [71] noted that people-centered development is most effective when communities are actively engaged in executing the programs they help plan, leading to more relevant and sustainable results. Similarly, reference [58], in their World Bank review, found that effective participation during implementation phases enhances accountability and improves the efficiency and responsiveness of development initiatives.

Some of the activities carried out were countermeasures related to environmentally conscious villages: (1) engagement in and education on environmentally friendly behavior (3Rs campaign: reduce, reuse, and recycle); (2) making biopore holes and infiltration wells for water conservation; (3) engaging in community-based waste management, including waste banks, to familiarize the community with sorting waste and composting; (4) handling domestic and livestock waste with communal wastewater management installations (IPAL) in several areas, especially industrial areas; (5) tree planting and reforestation on critical land (erosion can be caused by land conversion as well as the choice of commodities planted, so some farmers choose to plant horticultural products in the Cirasea sub-watershed area because they believe these products can be produced faster, although some farmers have also begun to plant coffee plants and other annual crops); and (6) developing hijai economies, such as organic farming and ecotourism, so that tourism development in the development area maintains its ecological aspects so as to repair the environmental damage that occurs as a result of land conversion and other consequences arising from tourism activities. All of these activities involve all the members in the environmentally conscious village community. Each development area may have different activities depending on the problems in said area.

3.3. Benefit Capture Stage

This concerns participation in benefit-taking. This participation is inseparable from the quality and quantity of the results of program implementation. In terms of quality, the success of a program is marked by an increase in output, while in terms of quality, it can be assessed by the degree to which the percentage of the success of the implemented program is in accordance with the predetermined targets. Benefit capture, namely, participation, is related to the quality of the results of program implementation.

Based on Figure 5, the level of community participation in taking advantage of sustainable environmentally conscious village development in the Cirasea Sub-watershed of West Java Province is included in the good category for the economic level of the community, where the community is financially greatly helped by this activity. In addition to increasing knowledge and skills, togetherness is also involved; in every activity, there is mutual cooperation. The provision of reimbursement costs for transportation and meals for the community members who attend is very helpful for participants who work, helping them to obtain income when participating in activities.

Community participation in the direct benefit-taking stage is still lacking, because the people involved already had previous jobs, so their livelihoods did not change before and during the implementation of environmentally conscious village development in the Cirasea Sub-watershed. Some people participated in providing funding proposals from their business colleagues, while others provided assistance related to seeds and other matters. For instance, benefit-sharing also includes aspects of culture and facility, environment, and development ideas [72,73]. However, the participation of the community in contributing money/goods was very limited. There were a few people who, in the development activities, were able to provide ideas related to the activities carried out, and some people often donated food or other items in the activities. Commonly, the community members contributed their time and energy in each activity.

In the benefit capture stage, the program’s impact can be observed through several indicators, such as an increase in the community’s economic level, access to new employment opportunities, participation in submitting additional funding proposals (such as sponsorships) from external parties, and contributions in the form of goods, money, or regular donations. However, in the implementation of the environmentally conscious village development program in the Cirasea Sub-watershed, only a small portion of the community experienced economic improvement or obtained new jobs as a direct result of the program. This limited impact is mainly due to the fact that most of the participants already had stable employment before joining in on the development activities.

Several community members experienced a modest improvement in their economic statuses, particularly through involvement in waste management initiatives. Based on the interview findings, a number of villages have begun managing waste, with certain types of waste being sold to generate additional income. Nevertheless, the increase in earnings remains relatively insignificant. In cases where waste management was carried out on a larger scale, additional labor was required. However, the individuals involved were not members of the environmentally conscious village community but rather external workers temporarily assigned to assist.

Regarding efforts to secure additional funding or sponsorship from external parties, only a limited number of stakeholders were introduced to this initiative, and not all were willing to contribute as sponsors. Contributions in the form of goods, money, or routine donations were also limited to a few community members. These contributions were typically informal and seasonal. For instance, during harvest periods, some farmers donated food items such as peanuts, sweet potatoes, and corn to support community development activities. However, there was no formal mechanism for regular financial contributions within the program.

The concept of sharing builds upon social exchange theory, which posits that interactions between individuals are guided by a rational evaluation of benefits and costs, with the primary objective being the maximization of personal gains [74]. Reference [75] expanded this idea, suggesting that people inherently act in anticipation of receiving benefits, making such benefits both the goal and the purpose of exchanges. In the context of community tourism development, this often creates a trade-off scenario. While benefit-sharing in tourism is commonly linked to the distribution of tourism revenue (TRS), it encompasses more than just monetary gains. It also includes the dissemination of non-monetary benefits to foster broader social equity [76].

3.4. Evaluation Stage

The evaluation stage in community participation is a critical element for assessing the success and impact of the implemented program. Participatory evaluation not only assesses the results but also the participation process itself, which enables continuous improvements. Evaluating the level of community participation in development programs is crucial for understanding the effectiveness and sustainability of such initiatives. The process of evaluation allows for measuring how actively the community engages with the program, which can guide improvements in future projects and ensure that the intended benefits reach all stakeholders.

Community participation in evaluation is related to the issue of overall program implementation. The aim of this form of participation is to find out whether the implementation of the program has been in accordance with the established plan or whether there are deviations. In brief, participation, according to [32], evaluation, is related to the overall implementation of the program. The aim of this form of participation is to find out how the program’s implementation is going.

Figure 6 shows that community participation in the evaluation stage was categorized as good. This evaluation rank was assigned based on from the community’s participation in assessing the success of the activity program, the suitability of the implementation with respect to the previously agreed meeting results, participation in monitoring and evaluation, obtaining benefits, and welfare. Community participation in assessing the success of the program falls into the good-enough category, because indeed some people are directly involved in the assessment and directly experience the success of the environmentally conscious village development program implemented.

According to [32], a participatory evaluation process fosters local ownership and accountability, which is key to long-term sustainability. They argue that communities that are involved in the evaluation stage are more likely to remain committed to the program because they have a vested interest in its success. Similarly, reference [77] suggests that the inclusion of community members in the assessment of a project allows for a deeper understanding of local challenges and needs, ensuring that the interventions are appropriate and responsive.

Furthermore, reference [78] asserts that involving local communities in evaluation helps identify gaps in service delivery and enables better alignment of development strategies with the actual needs of the people. This process is particularly important in rural and marginalized areas, where the success of a program often depends on local involvement and feedback. In addition, reference [71] proposes that participatory evaluation not only assesses the outcomes of a program but also builds the capacity of the community members, empowering them to take charge of future development activities. This aligns with the concept of empowerment evaluation, which encourages community members to actively participate in the entire evaluation process, from data collection to decision-making.

In his classic work “Community Organization and Rural Development”, ref. [79] emphasized the importance of community-based evaluation, which involves the community in the evaluation process. This allows community members to not only be beneficiaries but also agents of change who can provide feedback on the program’s sustainability. Korten proposed that evaluation should not only occur at the end of the program but should be an integral part of every stage to ensure ongoing improvements. And [80], in his book “The Role of Participatory Approaches in Development Evaluation”, revealed that participatory evaluation can enhance transparency and accountability in project management. By involving the community in the evaluation process, a program can be more responsive to evolving needs and challenges that arise during implementation.

Additionally, reference [81], in her research on “Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation”, explained that participatory monitoring and evaluation allows communities to actively engage in assessing the impacts of activities they are involved in. This increases a sense of ownership and helps identify barriers that may not be visible to external parties. This type of evaluation is crucial for ensuring that the outcomes meet objectives and fulfill community expectations. Reference [82], in his book “The Anthropology of Development and Change”, argued that participatory evaluation focuses not only on the final results but also on the process and interactions among stakeholders involved. This helps create more sustainable change in the relationships between communities and those implementing the programs.

The types of community participation observed in the stages of sustainable environmentally conscious village development in the Cirasea Sub-Watershed, West Java Province, showed that the participation in decision-making and implementation stages scored 3.79 and 4.14, respectively, which fall into the very good category. However, the evaluation stage scored 3.48, placing it in the good category, while the benefit-taking stage scored 2.05, placing it in the less satisfactory category, as shown in Figure 7.

The stages of planning, implementation, and benefit-taking are crucial in ensuring the effective participation of the community in a development program. Each stage plays a key role in determining the success and sustainability of the program. A kite diagram of the level of community participation in the development of environmentally sustainable villages in the Cirasea Subwatershed, West Java Province, is shown in Figure 8.

Planning is the initial stage wherein community members’ involvement is essential for gathering input and addressing their needs. Engaging the members of a community during planning increases their sense of ownership and commitment to a program. According to [66], participation in planning strengthens the local foundation of a program and enhances its accountability and sustainability. Reference [83] also highlights the importance of integrating local perspectives during planning to ensure that a program aligns with the community’s actual needs. Implementation is the phase where active community participation is critical for ensuring a program’s success. Reference [84] argues that without direct community involvement in implementation, a program may fail to meet its objectives. Communities that participate in implementation are more likely to take responsibility for the success of a program and address any challenges that arise during this phase.

Benefit-taking is the phase where the success of a program is evaluated based on the extent to which benefits are experienced by the community. Reference [2] emphasizes that benefits should not only be material but also include enhanced social capacity and strengthened community relations. Involving the community in this stage ensures that a program provides long-term, sustainable benefits, not just for individuals but for the broader community as well. Integrated participation throughout all stages of a development program leads to more effective and sustainable outcomes. Active involvement from start to finish ensures that members of a community feel a sense of control over the changes occurring in their environment, which, in turn, strengthens the social, economic, and ecological impact of a program. Moreover, we have strengthened our argument by adding relevant supporting literature. Reference [85] emphasized that the success of participatory development programs is greatly influenced by the presence of local social structures and institutional capacity. In the Indonesian context, As [86] noted that the sustainability of environmental programs tends to be stronger when there is a synergy between institutional support and grassroots initiatives.

These findings are consistent with theories and previous studies emphasizing the role of meaningful participation across all development stages. According to [9], community involvement that stops at implementation and decision-making without extending to benefit-sharing and evaluation remains incomplete and may not achieve transformative empowerment. Reference [33] also notes that interactive and self-mobilized participation, where communities are involved throughout the cycle—from planning to evaluation—tends to produce more sustainable outcomes. Moreover, reference [87] argued that involving communities in evaluation strengthens local accountability and leads to more adaptive, community-owned solutions. Furthermore, a study by [58] from the World Bank highlights that benefit-sharing is often the weakest point in participatory development, yet it is crucial for maintaining community motivation and trust. Failure to adequately address this stage may result in reduced long-term engagement and lower sustainability of development programs.

4. Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that community participation in the development of environmentally conscious villages in the Cirasea Sub-Watershed, Indonesia, is crucial for the success of environmental conservation programs and the sustainability of socio-economic benefits. The level of community participation varied at each stage, with the decision-making and implementation stages categorized as very good. However, participation in the benefit-taking stage was considered less satisfactory, while the evaluation stage fell into the good category. Humans’ interaction with their environment are shaped by their worldviews, influenced by culture, religion, and technological development. An imbalanced relationship with nature can lead to exploitation and environmental degradation, whereas a more harmonious perspective fosters balance and sustainability. As an integral part of ecosystems, human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and industrialization significantly impact ecological cycles. Socio-economic factors, program characteristics, environmental conditions, and institutional support play a crucial role in determining the extent of community involvement in environmental preservation efforts.

Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions to enhance participation at all stages of the environmentally conscious village program in Indonesia. This approach not only strengthens the effectiveness of the program but also ensures that village development remains sustainable and inclusive. Furthermore, similar cases of community participation in environmental conservation efforts may also occur in other sub-watersheds in Indonesia or in regions and countries that share comparable program development strategies, community characteristics, cultural and socio-economic factors, program characteristics, environmental conditions, and institutional support. By fostering a participatory spirit, village development can more effectively accommodate community needs, ensuring that development initiatives are inclusive, reflective of local aspirations, and aligned with ecological balance. The success and sustainability of a program highly depend on community participation.

This study has several limitations; therefore, we recommend that future research conduct cross-case comparative analyses of government-sponsored and community-driven initiatives (or various government program models) in similar contexts to elucidate how institutional settings and program structures influence community engagement.