Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Program in Strengthening Village Governance Capacity and Promoting Regional Development in Asahan Regency

Abstract

Sustainable village development requires competent human resources who can adapt to evolving policies and technologies. Competency gaps often pose significant barriers to effective village governance. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program emerges as a strategic solution to address these challenges by offering village officials the opportunity to gain formal recognition for the skills and experiences acquired through their professional roles. Asahan Regency, a rapidly developing region, continues to face challenges in strengthening the capacity of human resources involved in village administration. The success of the RPL program depends on multiple factors, one of which is systematic evaluation to ensure its effectiveness in enhancing the competence of village apparatus and its long term impact on village development. This study focuses on evaluating the RPL program’s role in improving the competencies of village officials in Asahan Regency. A qualitative approach was employed using a case study method. Interview data and other sources were analyzed using NVivo Version 12. Findings indicate that the RPL program requires active support from local government, particularly in terms of program outreach and financial assistance. Many community members, especially village officials, remain unaware of the program’s existence and continue to question the legitimacy of the certificates issued. The study concludes that active participation from local government is essential in evaluating and improving the RPL program, including providing both moral and financial support..