Brebes, February 3 — Diponegoro University (Undip) Economics Study Program lecturers led by Team Leader Prof. Dr. Fransiscus Xavier Sugiyanto, M.S. carrying out community service activities in the form of assessment and assistance to Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in Brebes Regency. This activity is focused on BUMDes in the developing and advanced categories, as an effort to strengthen the role of BUMDes in encouraging village economic independence. The initial assessment was carried out on two BUMDes, namely BUMDes Karya Mandiri in Kubangpari Village and BUMDes Abadi Sejahtera in Pende Village. The two BUMDes were chosen as initial pilots because they have different business characteristics and management challenges, thus providing a comprehensive picture of the condition of BUMDes in the Brebes area. Community service activities are carried out through group discussions, institutional mapping, and evaluation of BUMDes business units involving BUMDes administrators, village government and related stakeholders. In the assessment process, the Undip Economics Study Program lecturer team also explored the impact of changes in Village Fund policies on the operations and sustainability of BUMDes businesses, especially in the food security and village economic services sectors. The assessment results show that BUMDes Karya Mandiri and BUMDes Abadi Sejahtera have quite good business potential, but still face challenges in aspects of governance, financial management and strengthening the internal monitoring system. Therefore, the service team provided a number of strategic recommendations, including the preparation of standard operating procedures (SOP), increasing the transparency of financial management, as well as developing a more participatory and sustainable business model. Through this mentoring activity, it is hoped that BUMDes in Brebes can become more professional and adaptive in managing the village’s economic potential. Synergy between universities, village government and the community is an important key so that BUMDes are able to grow as a driving force for the local economy that is independent, competitive and sustainable.
