IPB University Alumni Success Story Revives Village Economy as Director of Wringinputih Bumdes
Rizal Arif Windriatmoko, an alumnus of the Department of Sharia Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) IPB University, is now successfully serving as the Director of Wringinputih Village-Owned Enterprise (Bumdes) in Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java. He got this success through his devotion in developing the village.
After graduating, Rizal decided to return to his hometown in Magelang. The urge to advance agriculture and rural Indonesia during his college days became a strong reason for him to serve the village.
During his time as director of Bumdes, Rizal managed to revive the economy of Wringinputih Village through various business units managed by Bumdes. These include the Village Economic Centre (Balkondes), longan plantation, waste management centre and village market.
He also successfully managed the Balkondes, which was initiated in 2017 in collaboration with PT Pertamina. “This Balkondes plays a role in preserving the local wisdom of Wringinputih village. The Balkondes also showcases the potential of arts, culture and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of Wringinputih village,” said Rizal.
“The impact felt by the community is to increase the village’s original income, the absorption of Wringinputih’s original workforce, to successfully integrate MSMEs and village potential,” he explained.
He continued, other Bumdes businesses are integrated to drive the village economy while helping to create superior human resources (HR).
“There is also a college scholarship programme for Wringinputih native students, namely One House One Bachelor. To date, 15 students have received the scholarship to create superior human resources as a pillar of village progress,” he said.
Rizal explained that the acceleration of innovation will be slow if there is no collaboration with the younger generation. It is hoped that the children who receive the scholarship will be encouraged to participate in developing the village.
“The results of entrepreneurship and Bumdes activities can be channelled to the social sector in the development of this village. If I am given the trust again, I will certainly do a lot to increase village development,” said Rizal.
In 2024 he plans to increase revenue and improve services for the Balkondes for tourists visiting the village.
“I also hope that there will be IPB University students conducting Real Work Lectures (KKN) in Magelang district. Bumdes is ready to facilitate and become a liaison to several villages that are needed,” he said.
“Currently there are still many villages in Indonesia that have problems and challenges so that qualified human resources are needed, because the village is one of the pillars of Indonesia’s progress,” he added. (MW/Lp) (IAAS/RUM)
