ABSTRACT
The effective control of COVID-19 depends on the active involvement and empowerment of the community. In the Central Java region, this objective is achieved through the implementation of the Jogo Tonggo Task Force. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the implementation of a community development model through the Jogo Tonggo Task Force in controlling COVID-19. The study adopted a phenomenological approach and was conducted in the Karanganyar Regency from July to November 2022. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, with 31 members of the Jogo Tonggo Task Force participating. Data was collected through both document review and in-depth interviews. The analysis involved descriptive, reduction, essence, and intentionality methods. The results showed that the community has plans in place to improve their approach to controlling COVID-19. These plans involve improving organization, providing mutual support, increasing cooperation and coordination, developing leadership skills, building capacity, securing resources, reaching out to others, and setting a good example. The organization also wants to make changes by identifying problems, finding solutions, evaluating their success, and institutionalizing successful changes. Emotional support is provided through empathy, compassion, and offering both moral and material assistance to help prevent feelings of isolation. Practical support includes providing food and masks, ensuring hand washing facilities are available, and promoting social distancing during religious gatherings. Information is also provided to offer advice, suggestions, and keep people informed. Assessment support involved the provision of feedback, sanctions, and warnings. The Jogo Tonggo Task Force as a model of community development in controlling COVID-19 consists of three dimensions: (i) community organization for local development, (ii) organizational change involving the definition of the problem, initiating action, and implementation as well as institutionalization of change, (iii) social support in the form of appraisal, instrumental, informational and emotional support.
