The Master’s Program in Business and Constitutional Law (MHBK), Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), held a legal outreach event in collaboration with the Gunungkidul Regency Regional Secretariat. The event focused on the theme “The Authority, Role, and Responsibilities of Village Administrations in Gunungkidul Regency within the Framework of Constitutional Governance and the Special Status of Yogyakarta.” The event took place on Tuesday (October 8, 2025) in the Handayani Meeting Room at the Gunungkidul Regency Regional Secretariat.
The event was attended by approximately 100 participants, consisting of village heads and staff from the Legal Affairs Division of the Gunungkidul Regency Government. Also present were representatives from the Gunungkidul Regency Government, faculty members from the UGM Faculty of Law, officials from the Regional Legal Office of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, as well as members of the public concerned with the governance of village administrations.
The event opened with remarks from Prof. Dr. Heribertus Jaka Triyana, S.H., M.A., LL.M., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Information Systems at the UGM Faculty of Law. “The UGM Faculty of Law, through the MHBK Study Program, continuously conducts legal outreach activities as part of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Through this collaboration with the Gunungkidul Regency Government, we hope that the synergy between higher education institutions and local governments can continue to be strengthened to promote more advanced legal development. In addition, the UGM Faculty of Law also has a legal outreach grant program as well as various other community service activities tailored to the needs of the community,” stated Prof. Jaka Triyana in his remarks.
The next remarks, which also served as the official opening, were delivered by Sri Suhartanta, S.IP., M.Si., as the Regional Secretary of Gunungkidul Regency. In her remarks, Sri Suhartanta emphasized the importance of village administration that possesses a deep understanding of legal aspects and the special status of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). “Villages are the spearhead of government. A strong understanding of legal authority and responsibility will strengthen clean and participatory governance,” continued Sri Suhartanta in her remarks.
This workshop featured four speakers, three of whom were academics from the UGM Faculty of Law. Sri Suhartanta, S.IP., M.Si., Regional Secretary of Gunungkidul Regency, opened the session with a presentation titled “The Authority and Responsibilities of Kalurahan in the Administration of Government.” Next, Andy Omara, S.H., M.Pub&Int. Law., Ph.D., Dwi Haryati, S.H., M.H., and Dr. Sigid Riyanto, S.H., M.Si., provided an in-depth understanding of the position and unique characteristics of the village (Kalurahan) within Indonesia’s constitutional system, the role of the village in public administration, as well as the legal dynamics and bureaucratic interactions of the village in community life. This collaboration between local policymakers and academics enriched participants’ perspectives on understanding the strategic role of the Kalurahan in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).
Through presentations and interactive discussions, this event addressed various important aspects regarding the role of the Kalurahan within the national legal system and the special status of the Kalurahan in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, as stipulated in Law No. 13 of 2012 on the Special Status of the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Law No. 6 of 2014 on Villages.
This event served not only as a forum for knowledge transfer but also as a platform for legal discussion and direct consultation between Kalurahan government officials and academics. Participants actively discussed the implementation of Kalurahan authorities, local governance, and the synergy between the community and government officials in realizing the principles of good governance.
The Head of the MHBK Study Program at the UGM Faculty of Law, Irna Nurhayati, S.H., M.Hum., LL.M., Ph.D., stated in her remarks that this activity is part of the academic community’s commitment to supporting the strengthening of the legal capacity of local governments and kalurahan, particularly in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, which possesses its own unique characteristics. She also noted that this legal outreach program is expected to enhance village officials’ understanding of the legal foundations and governance practices aligned with the values of Yogyakarta’s special status. Through this program, participants are expected to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the legal basis, authorities, and responsibilities of villages, as well as the importance of community participation in development and oversight at the local level.
This legal outreach activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by strengthening the capacity of village government officials so they can implement governance that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the community. Furthermore, the collaboration between the UGM Faculty of Law and the Gunungkidul Regency Government in this initiative reflects the implementation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by prioritizing multisectoral collaboration among academics, local government, and the community. By enhancing legal understanding and strengthening the role of the village administration as the frontline of public service, this initiative is expected to promote inclusive and sustainable development at the local level.
Media Contact:
Master’s Program in Business and Public Law, Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University, Jl. Sosio Yustisia No. 1, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta
Email: mhbk@ugm.ac.id | Phone: (0274) 512781
