THE ROLE OF DIGITIZATION IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN SUMEDANG REGENCY: AN ACTOR NETWORK PERSPECTIVE

• Main Author: Arini Putri, Taqiya
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/80087
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Digitization has become an inevitability in the era of development, with various sectors frequently incorporating it, especially in poverty alleviation efforts. The process of digitization and the integration of development sectors, particularly in the economic domain, are increasingly configured. The capacity to innovate in the realm of digital technology often becomes a key factor in policy formulation. Previous research indicates a positive correlation between digital prioritization and poverty alleviation, making digital technology adoption a global trend, particularly in poverty reduction initiatives. This phenomenon is not limited to a global scale but is also adopted regionally. The implementation of digitization in Sumedang Regency, West Java, serves as a tangible example of its incorporation into regional development efforts for poverty alleviation. Despite the rapid implementation of digitization, Sumedang has faced challenges in translating this positive trend into poverty reduction, identifying the region as a priority for the West Java Provincial Government's poverty alleviation initiatives. In delving into this reality, many aspects warrant further investigation to unearth the underlying phenomena. Network dynamics and political dimensions constitute novel dimensions that contribute to this study, aspects often overlooked in previous research. Analyzing these aspects holistically can provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon, enrich the knowledge base, and uncover diverse factors influencing varied approaches to poverty alleviation. Consequently, this research aims to explore actor network perspectives in the political dynamics of digitization for poverty alleviation in Sumedang Regency, emphasizing actors holding central positions in social networks that can contribute to poverty reduction efforts. The political dynamics within the framework of power relations complement the understanding needed for analyzing it. The theoretical framework of Social Network Analysis assists in identifying central actors in negotiation processes based on interactions among actors. This research combines qualitative and quantitative approaches using an Exploratory Sequential Mixed Method design. In-depth interviews were conducted to understand the existing political dynamics, while social network analysis, employing the Social Network Analysis approach, mapped the interconnections among actors. The study aligns with numerous investigations recognizing the interrelation between digitization and political dynamics. However, this study focuses on the contribution of digitization to poverty alleviation through the roles played by central actors. Unlike previous studies, which emphasized technical aspects of digitization within the framework of decision structures, procedures, and mechanisms, this research sheds light on the human and non-human interactions in the digitization process. Research findings indicate that digitization empowers those with access and control over information technology, enabling them to shape desired political realities. Consistent with Dahl's perspective on power relations, this study reflects a shift from an initial pluralistic view toward acknowledging the existence of elitist elements in political power dynamics. The empirical reality captured in this study highlights the often-overlooked role of a study area in shaping power relations, particularly within Dahl's framework. The research emphasizes that power relations in the context of digitization are distributed among various actors and authorities, functioning collaboratively in practice. Digitization creates an integrated political dynamic involving central actors and intermediaries in power distribution. Actor centrality scores indicate active participation from various stakeholders. Ultimately, this study suggests that politically motivated leaders have created conditions conducive to active participation in digital technology and various actors in the development process. It underscores the understanding that digitization can shape, strengthen, or alter political power dynamics, contributing to a balanced power system and ultimately aiding in poverty alleviation. Digital technology, in this context, becomes a source of power by observing how human and non-human actors interact, impacting the acceleration of information exchange, enhancing coordination, and ensuring optimal poverty alleviation.