Analisis Kinerja Keuangan Lembang Sebelum dan Sesudah Implementasi Program Koperasi Desa Merah Putih di Kabupaten Toraja Utara

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of Village Fund reallocation on the financial performance of lembang (village) governments and public satisfaction in North Toraja Regency, specifically regarding the establishment policy of the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP). Empirical phenomena indicate extreme distortions in fiscal priorities, where the Village Fund budget for 111 Lembang was drastically cut by 58% in 2025 and 2026. These allocations were shifted to fund the initial capital of 6 KDMPs, which currently remain stagnant, dormant, and non-operational. Meanwhile, the remaining 105 Lembang have experienced a total standstill in physical outlet construction. This study employs a descriptive and critical comparative quantitative approach to dissect budget realization reports before and after the fund reallocation. The results indicate that this enforced top-down economic structure creates a high opportunity cost, visible in the severe degradation of road infrastructure and public facilities due to a sharp decline in physical capital expenditure. This distorts the principle of social utility (value for money) and triggers widespread public protests, thereby diminishing the moral legitimacy and public satisfaction with the local government. The study concludes with an urgent recommendation for local policymakers to evaluate the cooperative capital moratorium and realign budgeting priorities toward inclusive public infrastructure.