EMPOWERMENT OF BUMDES GANTAR BUSINESS PARTNERS IN IMPROVING COMMUNITY WELFARE

This research aims to analyze the empowerment of BUMDes Gantar Mitra Usaha in improving the welfare of the people of Gantar Village, Gantar District, Indramayu Regency. The problems of this research: (1) What is the impact of regulations on the establishment of BUMDes on the level of community welfare in Gantar Village before and after the existence of BUMDes Business Partners in Gantar Village? (2) What are the challenges and obstacles faced by BUMDes in efforts to improve the welfare of the people of Gantar Village? The focus of the research includes the impact of regulations on the establishment of BUMDes on the level of community welfare before and after the presence of BUMDes as well as the challenges faced in managing them. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a socio-legal approach. Data was collected through interviews with key informants, observation, and document analysis, then analyzed through a process of reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results show that the establishment of BUMDes Mitra Usaha Gantar Village has improved community welfare by supporting the fulfillment of basic needs and self-actualization through business diversification based on local potential, according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Challenges such as limited human resources, business competition and market access require strengthening regulations and adaptive strategies so that BUMDes can become professional, inclusive and sustainable economic drivers, in line with Roscoe Pound's view of law as a social engineering tool.