Strategi Penguatan Kapasitas Kader Lingkungan Berbasis Dana Desa Dalam Rangka Meningkatkan Kesadaran Masyarakat di Kabupaten Kotawaringin

Abstract

This paper examines low public awareness in Kotawaringin Barat Regency regarding sorting waste at source. It aims to identify causes of limited waste-sorting education, analyze solutions based on theory and regulation, and formulate recommendations for strengthening environmental cadres. The study uses a qualitative approach with the USG method to prioritize problems and Bardach method to select policy alternatives. Data were obtained from legislation, regional planning documents, and SIPSN. Analysis shows the root problem is the shortage of environmental extension workers only 3 for 81 villages resulting in low socialization frequency and unequal educational coverage. Consequently, the 30% waste reduction target reached only 0.15% in 2025. Using three behavioral theories and five regulatory frameworks, three alternatives are proposed: (1) Strengthening Environmental Cadres Based on Village Funds, (2) Adding DLH Functional Staff, and (3) Establishing a Waste Education UPT. Bardach scoring ranks the first highest (31) because it directly addresses the educator shortage, is economically feasible using Village Funds (Law 6/2014), and has strong political support. Conclusion emphasizes that low public awareness is a systemic failure of sustainable education due to limited extension workers. Recommendations target the Regent, DLH, DPMD, and village governments to strengthen environmental cadres and allocate budgets in APBDesa