Digitization of Village Information and Its Impact on Community Participation in Village Funds in Gowa Regency

Abstract

This study investigates how the digitization of village information systems influences community participation in the management of village funds in Gowa Regency, Indonesia. Positioned within the broader discourse on digital governance and participatory management, the research employs a quantitative explanatory design to examine the extent to which digital transparency, accessibility of information, and digital communication channels affect citizen involvement in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of village fund programs. Using survey data collected from community members across selected villages, the study analyzes both descriptive and inferential statistical patterns to determine the strength and significance of these relationships. The empirical findings demonstrate that digitization substantially enhances participatory engagement by reducing informational asymmetry, improving the visibility of budget processes, and creating more inclusive pathways for community feedback. The results further indicate that digital platforms foster a more accountable governance environment, enabling villagers to more confidently exercise their agency in overseeing public resources. These outcomes underscore the centrality of digital infrastructure as a managerial instrument capable of reshaping organizational behavior, redistributing decision-making power, and strengthening local democratic accountability. The study concludes that digital transformation at the village level should be approached not merely as a technological upgrade but as a strategic governance reform that directly impacts the effectiveness, transparency, and legitimacy of village fund management. The implications highlight the need for continued investments in digital literacy, system reliability, and institutional reinforcement to sustain meaningful participation and ensure that rural digitalization translates into equitable and responsive development outcomes.