Local Government Capability in Managing Village Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in Indonesia: A Case Study of Bintan Regency

Abstract

One of the Indonesian government's efforts to improve the economy of rural communities is the establishment of Village Owned Enterprises (BUMDes). BUMDes that are successful in their management cannot be separated from the role of local governments as those who have the authority to foster, supervise and develop BUMDes. Therefore, this study aims to determine the capability of the local government of Bintan Regency to the management of BUMDes. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews using purposive sampling techniques to key people in the local government of Bintan district and managers of advanced and developing BUMDes in Bintan district. This study found that the government's capabilities include entrepreneurial capabilities, motivational capabilities, investment capabilities, and adaptive capabilities. The researcher also found that the importance of legislative capability by the local government as a guarantor that all investments that have been given by the government are able to survive and develop. The challenge for the government in its implementation is that there are still BUMDes that have not been able to accept the policies made by local governments. This is due to the low resources of BUMDes managers, the lack of village community support for BUMDes and the disharmony of relations between the village government and BUMDes managers.