Societal Impact Program launches the “Cirata Framework” for Sustainable Village Development
The 2024–2025 Societal Impact Program of ITB once again demonstrates its tangible contribution to society through a capacity-building initiative for BUMDes Berkah Lestari in Ciroyom Village, Cirata, Bandung Barat Regency. Located in the strategic area of the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant, the village has strong potential in freshwater fish–based culinary businesses, local handicrafts, and reservoir tourism, yet it still faces challenges in governance, financial management, and maintaining a consistent business model.
To respond to these challenges, a team of faculty members and students from SBM ITB – Yunieta Anny Nainggolan, M. Yorga Permana, Veronica Afridita K., Giorgio Gatica Singgih, and Nitha Pricillia – designed a research-based, design thinking–driven capacity-building program. Over two days, BUMDes managers, youth organization (Karang Taruna) members, and representatives of the village cooperative took part in intensive training covering the formulation of vision–mission and organizational structure, mapping village potential using a sustainable livelihood and SWOT approach, preparing a Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas, as well as practical training on financial recording, budgeting (RAB) and work order (SPK) preparation, and developing the BUMDes’ first digital marketing channel.
“We designed this program so that the BUMDes doesn’t just operate, but has a clear direction, sound financial discipline, and is ready to grow as a driver of the village economy,” said Yunieta Anny Nainggolan, an SBM ITB lecturer who leads the community service team.
Evaluation results showed increased understanding among participants across almost all topics, particularly in strategic planning and business model development. No participants experienced a decline in scores, indicating that the program is pedagogically safe and does not produce negative effects. At the same time, technical topics such as financial management and digital marketing were seen as still requiring further mentoring so that they can truly become sustainable operational skills.
“In the past, we recorded transactions in a very basic way. Now we are beginning to understand that financial reports can be prepared in a practical and simple way using financial applications, and that they serve as the basis for making decisions and being accountable to the Village Head and residents,” said BUMDes Berkah Lestari treasurer.
The success in Ciroyom Village has laid the foundation for the birth of the “Cirata Framework,” a BUMDes capacity-building model based on data, mentoring practices, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. “We see Cirata as the seed of a BUMDes business incubator that can serve as a model for other villages within the ‘20 Villages in 20 Years’ roadmap,” said M. Yorga Permana.
This program underscores the strategic role of universities as catalysts of social transformation, not only through research and education, but also through concrete action at the village level.
