KUBE as a Solution to Poverty Issues in Gunungkidul Regency: A Literature Review

Abstract

This study focuses on the effectiveness of implementation and the challenges faced in carrying out the KUBE program within the context of social policy in Gunungkidul Regency. KUBE, or Kelompok Usaha Bersama (Joint Business Group), aims to alleviate poverty through economic empowerment of low-income communities. The research method used is a literature review by examining various sources such as legislation, data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), and findings from previous studies. The poverty rate in Gunungkidul Regency is recorded at 11.13%. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of the KUBE program in Gunungkidul Regency has not yet been effective in achieving the objectives of community empowerment. The program is dominated by a top-down approach, lacks community participation, and has not been fully aligned with local potentials and the needs of its beneficiaries. The program requires policy reorientation toward a more participatory (bottom-up) approach, capacity strengthening for program facilitators, and the development of performance-based monitoring and evaluation systems. These improvements are expected to transform KUBE into a sustainable, participatory, and goal-oriented economic empowerment program that effectively contributes to poverty reduction, particularly in Gunungkidul Regency and Indonesia in general.