Improving Governance and Innovation of BUMDes Business in Wukirsari Village: Challenges and Future Opportunities

Abstract

This article discusses the challenges and opportunities in improving governance and innovation of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in Wukirsari Village, Imogiri District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. This activity was carried out through the International Community Service program involving students from various countries and using a participatory approach. The methods used included field observation, semi-structured interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with BUMDes managers, community leaders, and local business actors. The results of the activity showed that the involvement of the younger generation was still low, the managers' weak understanding of business planning and financial records, and the lack of BUMDes business publications. However, there is great potential in developing local-based businesses such as batik and cultural tourism. The recommendations produced include financial management training, administration digitalization, and cross-generational collaboration in digital promotion. A participatory local innovation-based community strengthening model is proposed as a replication framework for other villages to encourage economic independence and sustainable development