COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT THROUGH INTER-SECTORAL ACTION, A CASE STUDY OF GERBANGMAS IN LUMAJANG DISTRICT

Abstract

The objective of this case study was to learn the policy
process of the Gerbangmas movement in Lumajang district
as an innovation within decentralized system. Using qualitative
approach, data was collected by in-depth interview of key
informants and review of documents, then analyzed
thematically. The study has revealed that the policy change of
Gerbangmas initiative is not a radical but incremental process
which takes around five years period. It started from
“conventional Posyandus” to be “Balai Posyandu Mandiri”,
then revived by the Bupati into Gerbangmas movement. Health
sector has successfully advocated the Bupati to create a
common vehicle for all sectors. The study has identified that
the essences of Gerbangmas movement were (i) neutral
vehicle, (ii) shared goals, (iii) all sectors could be passengers,
(iv) strong power of the referee, (v) government financial
stimulants, (vi) self management by community, and (vii) neutral
cadres as the implementer (PKK). Gerbangmas movement
has encouraged multi sectors to set programs for community
empowerment. The study recommended that in conducting
community empowerment for addressing social determinants
of health, it is of importance to set a neutral vehicle that can
accommodate multi sectors’ interests.
Keywords: community empowerment, Posyandu,
Gerbangmas, inter-sectoral action, social determinants of
health