Addressing Education Inequality in Indonesia Through Rural Development: Desamind’s Leadership Communication and SDG Alignment
Abstract
This study investigates the success of Desamind, a social organization under the Desamind Indonesia Foundation, in empowering youth through leadership communication strategies for rural development in Indonesia. Combining collaborative leadership and utilizing digital functionalitis, Desamind focuses on enhancing education, social conditions, the economy, and the environment in rural communities, aligning its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote education and reduce inequalities. The research examines Desamind's leadership communication strategy and its effectiveness in implementing programs. This study employs a qualitative approach using document study and in-depth interview methods to explore Desamind's leadership communication strategy and its effectiveness in running their programs. The findings highlight the critical role of effective communication in achieving organizational goals. Desamind emphasizes effective communication and collaboration with youth, communities, and partners to foster trust and adaptability in rural development initiatives. By adopting a community-driven approach, Desamind integrates local needs and encourages stakeholder participation, enhancing ownership and program success. Initiatives like the Desamind Scholarship and Leadership Camp are pivotal in empowering youth and improving educational access in rural areas. The study highlights the importance of strategic leadership communication, combining humble, servant, and adaptive leadership styles to align with sustainable development goals. Key findings reveal that Desamind's leadership style fosters collaboration and positive change, engaging various stakeholders through a pentahelix collaboration framework, which ensures multisector support for its programs in rural areas. The study concludes that strategic leadership communication is essential for the success of rural development initiatives. Future research could explore these strategies across different regions in Indonesia to further validate and expand upon these findings.
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