dukuhs

Dukuhs are traditional sub-village units found in Indonesia, most commonly in Java. A dukuh is smaller than a desa (village) or kelurahan and typically comprises several neighborhoods or RTs (neighborhood associations). The term is used in various regions with slightly different meanings, but it generally denotes a local community cluster that coordinates day-to-day affairs at a level between the neighborhood and the village administration.

Each dukuh is usually led by a kepala dukuh (dukuh head), who serves as a liaison between residents and the broader desa or kelurahan government. The dukuh head and or participants may organize community activities, mobilize residents for development projects, oversee maintenance of local facilities, and help resolve minor disputes. Dukuhs often manage basic records related to households and residents to support local governance and social logistics.

The exact status and duties of dukuhs vary regionally. In some areas, dukuhs are treated as quasi-formal units with defined duties similar to dusun (another term for a sub-village) or kampung; in others, they are more informal or traditional structures. In modern administrative practice, the role of dukuhs can overlap with RTs and RW structures and may be influenced by local regulations and customs. The term dukuhs, and the concept of a dukuh, provide insight into how Indonesian communities organize at the most local level and reflect regional diversity in village life.