Village Head's Discretion in Determining Emergency Budget Allocation Through Village Regulations: A Perspective of State Administrative Law

This study analyzes the discretion of village heads in determining the allocation of the Village Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBDesa) for handling emergency conditions from the perspective of state administrative law. The research problem departs from the need for the village government to take quick action against emergency conditions, while the use of village finances must still be subject to the principles of legality, legal certainty, accountability, and the General Principles of Good Governance. This study uses a normative juridical method with a statute approach, a conceptual approach, and a case approach. Legal materials are analyzed qualitatively using the Theory of Authority and the Theory of Legal Certainty as analytical knives. The results of the study show that the village head has room to exercise discretion in handling emergency conditions as long as the action is within the scope of authority provided by laws and regulations, based on an objective emergency, directed to the public interest, carried out proportionately, and meets the provisions of village financial management. The use of discretion cannot be seen as unlimited authority because it must still be accompanied by transparency, accountability, and administrative accountability. The study also shows that the use of discretion that deviates from the purpose of granting authority has the potential to lead to detournement de pouvoir, while decisions that are irrational, disproportionate, and not based on objective considerations can lead to willekeur actions. Therefore, clear legal parameters are needed so that the flexibility of the village head in dealing with emergency conditions remains in line with the principles of the state of law and good village governance.