Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into village development is an important strategy for addressing persistent poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges in rural Indonesia. This study examines how SDGs are understood, interpreted, and implemented in village development planning in two North Sumatran villages, namely Melati II in Serdang Bedagai Regency and Air Hitam in Batu Bara Regency. A qualitative multiple-case approach employing semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and document analysis was used to explore governance practices and implementation challenges. The findings of this study are structured as follows: (1) SDG alignment in village development exists but is largely incidental rather than the result of systematic or intentional planning processes; (2) there is limited awareness and understanding of the SDGs among local stakeholders, accompanied by insufficient administrative and technical capacity to integrate SDG frameworks effectively into village planning; (3) the integration of sociocultural values into SDG-related initiatives remains weak, reducing contextual relevance and sustainability; (4) strong social capital, reflected in trust, active community participation, and strong local networks, significantly enhances the effectiveness of village development implementation; and (5) multi-stakeholder collaboration through a penta-helix model involving government, community, academia, private sector, and media plays a crucial role in strengthening sustainable village development outcomes. In conclusion, although SDG principles are partially reflected in local practices, implementation remains unstructured. Bridging the gap between global agendas and grassroots reality requires strengthening local awareness, building institutional capacity, and fostering collaborative governance to ensure that sustainable development becomes a culturally grounded and community-driven process.</p>