Strengthening LPHD Data and Document Management through Participatory MEL Facilitation

Abstract

Organizational capacity at the community institution level often remains constrained by weak data and document management, which makes evidence of work difficult to trace for reporting, monitoring, and internal learning. This article focuses on strengthening LPHD data and document management as an initial foundation for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) practice through participatory student facilitation. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach within a community service framework. The activity was conducted in Samarinda on 30 to 31 March 2026 and involved 20 LPHD participants from Semuntai, Intu Lingau, Lakan Bilem, and Karangan Hilir. Data were collected through participatory observation, written interviews with the activity coordinator, training documents, MEL matrix outputs, field notes, photo documentation, and pre-test and post-test results as supporting evaluation data. The findings show that the main problem did not lie in the absence of documents, but in the weak linkage between documents, work functions, responsible persons, and follow-up actions. After facilitation, participants began to map data types and sources by work function, arrange evidence into a MEL matrix, and recognize the need for shared digital storage. Sixteen of 20 participants showed improved post-test results, while four participants still required follow up assistance. This article shows that participatory facilitation can serve as an early managerial intervention to strengthen accountability and organizational learning in community-based forest institutions