Optimizing Rural Funds for Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Rural Areas

Rural communities in Indonesia face significant challenges in managing rural funds effectively, particularly in solid waste management. Rural-owned enterprises (BUMDes) Panggung Lestari in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, play a vital role in local development but often struggle to optimize fund utilization for sustainable waste management. This research examines optimal rural fund management practices for solid waste management, focusing on cost-quality studies and innovative waste collection strategies to reduce costs. We use a qualitative case study approach, collecting data through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observations. The findings highlight specific cost reduction strategies, such as the mechanization of waste collection processes, which reduced operational costs by twelve percent, and the implementation of community engagement initiatives, which enhanced waste collection efficiency. Additionally, financial management training and collaboration with local governments for strategic fund allocation further optimized resource usage. The novelty of this study lies in integrating solid waste management insights with rural fund utilization through a cost-of-quality perspective, improving financial decision-making and operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable waste management in rural communities.