Preparation for Digitalization of KAT Empowerment

Director General of Social Empowerment Edi Suharto was one of the speakers for this activity. Accompanied by the Head of Sub-Directorate for Implementing Human Resources Empowerment of PKAT Directorate Vera Pramanik as the moderator, Edi Suharto appreciated the digitalization process in KAT empowerment. In his presentation, he explained about the direction of change in Remote Indigenous Community Empowerment (KAT).

"KAT empowerment occupies a strategic position that focuses on stakeholder-based. In which there is fulfilment and improvement the quality of life, respect for diversity, and local wisdom. Later, the development of KAT empowerment can also be carried out by University, Social Welfare Institutions (LKS) but of course with a Proposal," explained Edi Suharto.

Furthermore, Edi Suharto also presented the stakeholder based KAT empowerment model (PKATBest).

"3P or Production, Planet, and Partnership are the main points for us to determine the direction of KAT empowerment in the future. Production which prioritizes sustainable livelihoods which focuses on the sustainability of KAT citizens. Planet which means dependence on natural resources, and Partnership based on partnerships," said Edi Suharto.

Previously, the participants had attended the material presentation from various sources including Prof. Robet Lawang (KAT Expert Forum, Professor of FISIP University of Indonesia), Sukarno (Academician University of Indonesia), and followed by questions and answers about KAT Empowerment instrument.

Prof. Robet Lawang, KAT Expert Forum, Professor of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia, explained that the initial assessment during mapping must have an integrated database.

"Digital instruments work based on location and conditions in the field or based on data from officers taken offline at the location. So that empowerment reports can also be accessed and monitored, as well as digitally cross-checked for evaluation," said Robet.

Sukarno, an academician at University of Indonesia also explained the importance of digitalization instruments in KAT empowerment.

"In the data collection instrument there are many aspects, especially in the initial assessment aspect. The data here is as an initial guide in social mapping, later the instrument will be tested through training to produce the right instrument," said Sukarno.

The formulation of KAT Empowerment Instrument in digital form is expected to produce an accurate social mapping, initial assessment, and feasibility study in the future.