Communication Dynamics and Elite Perceptions: Assessing Government Policy Effectiveness in Sumberglagah Leprosy Village, Indonesia

Stigma and discrimination continue to persist in the leprosy village of Sumberglagah, despite government efforts to provide social assistance and community empowerment programs. This article aims to uncover the dynamics of communication and the perceptions of village elites and community members regarding the effectiveness of various government policies targeting Sumberglagah. Utilizing elite theory and a three-dimensional framework—cognitive, affective, and conative—the study employs a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with five elite village informants, while quantitative data were collected from a survey of 100 respondents in Tanjungkenongo village. Findings indicate that, from the elite perspective, government programs are perceived as relatively ineffective in addressing the needs of the leprosy community, primarily due to a culture of reliance on external assistance from both government and non-government sources. In contrast, quantitative analysis reveals that the community generally expresses satisfaction with government programs, with an average satisfaction score exceeding 4. However, there is notable skepticism regarding the long-term impact of these programs, as reflected in the low community engagement with government-initiated empowerment programs. This study highlights the divergence in perceptions between elites and the community concerning government interventions, emphasizing the need for more effective and culturally attuned strategies to address the unique challenges faced by leprosy-affected communities