From Passive Participation to Self-Reliance: Community Empowerment through the INSPIRASI Program in Binor Village

Abstract

Binor Village, a coastal village in Ring 1 of the Paiton Power Plant (PLTU Paiton), has diverse economic potential, yet residents’ livelihoods remain vulnerable to seasonal and market fluctuations, while community participation in social activities needs strengthening. Social mapping data show 57% of families earn below the district minimum wage, 90% have no savings, and individual participation is nearly zero, despite active village institutions (PKK, Posyandu, BUMDes, Karang Taruna). This article evaluates how INSPIRASI (Inovasi Pengelolaan Air dan Energi Bersih), initiated by PT Paiton Energy, responds through two mechanisms: regenerating local leadership (“local heroes”) to activate participation, and diversifying the economy through a circular value chain based on household water and waste management. Using a descriptive-evaluative case study method based on program documents and social mapping data, this study finds the program evolved from ad hoc charitable assistance (2020) into a five-year strategic plan (2026-2030) with a phased exit toward zero CSR funding dependence by 2030. Early outcomes show three of seven targeted vulnerable families gained employment and no longer rely on food assistance, drinking-water unit workers saw income rise 9-15%, and four young community cadres were regenerated. Binor Village’s geographic and environmental conditions are also discussed as a backdrop shaping the program’s design. Findings indicate empowerment success can be measured not only by uptake of assistance but by the community's capacity to manage and replicate the program independently.