Replicating the Inclusive Village Program in Wukirsari Village, Imogiri, Bantul: A Participatory Action Research Approach

Abstract

This article describes the replication process of the disability-inclusive village program in Wukirsari Village, Imogiri, Bantul, Yogyakarta Special Region. The replication was carried out by the Islamic Community Development Study Program, Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, Yogyakarta, together with six students who participated in the Community Development Practice I (September–December 2024) and II (February–June 2025) courses. Using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, students actively engaged with their academic supervisor and disability organizations in introducing, advocating for, and facilitating village government to develop inclusive policies. The process included introducing the inclusive village concept, participatory observation, strengthening networks with local disability organizations, and conducting an inclusive village socialization event with village officials. The results show an increase in awareness of disability rights, a commitment from village authorities to develop an inclusive village, the initiation of a Village Disability Group, and the declaration of an Inclusive Village during the village anniversary celebration. These findings highlight that the PAR method is effective in promoting inclusive village replication by positioning students, disability communities, and village governments as collaborative actors.