Integrating Development Village Index governance for advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Village disparities remain a persistent challenge in achieving equitable and sustainable development. This study addresses the problem of fragmented governance in village development by analyzing the convergence of the Development Village Index (Index Desa Membangun, IDM) with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The purpose is to evaluate how IDM’s five-tier classification, ranging from very underdeveloped to independent villages, supports SDG achievement. A qualitative descriptive method was used to analyze IDM data issued by the Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration from 2016 to 2022. The findings reveal three key roles of IDM governance: providing structured data for decision-making and intervention planning, enhancing the effectiveness of village development programs, and partially supporting SDGs, with limited alignment observed in SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 14 (life below water). The study concludes that IDM governance contributes significantly to SDG progress but requires further integration for comprehensive impact. This paper is relevant for policymakers and practitioners seeking data-driven strategies to accelerate sustainable rural development and improve policy coherence at the local level.