PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - All villages in Garut Regency are encouraged to develop Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) and tourist villages. Both businesses can increase income and create a modern society.

This was conveyed by the Regent of Garut, Abdusy Syakur Amin, at the launch of the Great BUMDes and Great Tourism Village 2025 at the Selaawi Bamboo Creative Center (SBCC), Selaawi District, Garut Regency, Thursday (17/4/2025).

Syakur, in his speech, emphasized the importance of village independence and development.

"This (BUMDes and tourist villages) needs to be continuously guided so that in the future they can grow and develop according to expectations," he said.

The Garut Regency Government will help develop villages by prioritizing local wisdom. He also invited all related elements, especially the Community and Village Empowerment Service (DPMD), to collaborate in improving the welfare of BUMDes.

On the same occasion, the Head of the Community and Village Empowerment Service (DPMD) of Garut Regency, Wawan Nurdin, said that the launch of the BUMDes Hebat and Desa Wisata Hebat programs would be held in five different locations in Garut Regency. The activity at the Selaawi Bamboo Creative Center was the first to be implemented and was attended by 9 sub-districts, namely Malangbong, Kersamanah, Limbangan, Cibiuk, Cibatu, Sukawening, Pangatikan, Karangtengah, and Selaawi as the host. The total participants were 90 village heads and 90 BUMDes directors.

The launch of BUMDes Hebat and Desa Wisata Hebat was marked by the issuance of the Decree of the Regent of Garut on Thematic Tourism Villages to 288 villages. The event was also filled with a bazaar of superior products of BUMDes and Village Business Groups from nine sub-districts in the North Garut area.

Wawan invited all related elements to jointly maintain and manage natural resources wisely for the progress, independence, and welfare of Garut Regency. He also hopes that cooperation will be strengthened to realize sustainable development that is oriented towards increasing Village Original Income (PADes) and the welfare of village communities. (Garut Regency Communication and Information Service/ Rani)