Governance of Village-Owned Enterprises in Promoting Economic Growth

background: The governance of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) plays a critical role in fostering sustainable development in rural areas. Specific background: This research explores the governance practices of BUMDes Kerto Emas, emphasizing the principles of transparency, cooperation, participation, and inclusiveness. Knowledge gap: Previous studies have not sufficiently examined how sustainable practices are implemented within the operational framework of BUMDes, especially concerning product management and website functionality. Aims: This study aims to assess the current governance indicators applied in BUMDes Kerto Emas, particularly regarding sustainability and the integration of digital platforms. Results: The findings reveal that while BUMDes Kerto Emas has made significant strides in governance, challenges remain in achieving sustainability, particularly in the underutilization of digital platforms for product display. Novelty: This study introduces a new perspective by linking sustainable business development with the need for improved online presence in village-owned enterprises. Implications: The research suggests that enhancing product offerings and optimizing digital platforms are essential for achieving long-term sustainability, providing a framework for improving governance in similar rural enterprises. Highlights : Governance principles must focus on transparency and cooperation for sustainable BUMDes operations. Digital platforms play a crucial role in enhancing product visibility and sustainability. Continuous evaluation is needed to optimize governance for long-term sustainability. Keywords: Governance, BUMDes, Sustainability, Participation, Digitalization