Comparative Study of the Adaptive Strategies Used by Village-owned Enterprises in South Sulawesi During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some BUMDes have been able to survive and even thrive in the midst of the pandemic. This study sought to reveal the adaptation strategies carried out by BUMDes in order to survive or even further develop during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative descriptive methods were used with a comparative approach by conducting interviews and observations on three BUMDes in South Sulawesi Province, namely BUMDes Jaya Mandiri Kab. Soppeng, BUMDes Mattuju Kab. Pangkep, and BUMDes Bonto Sunggumanai Kab. Gowa. The results of the study revealed that the adaptation strategies carried out by each BUMDes were different depending on the type of BUMDes business and the leadership style of the BUMDes director/management. BumDes Jaya Mandiri was able to develop during the pandemic by using a prospector-type strategy, namely conducting business development by reaching all village communities and developing a good credit business. The business strategy carried out by the other two BUMDes was a reactor strategy, which aimed to promote efficiency by reducing costs and resources and developing the business unit in the form of product production. These findings can be used to inform efforts to strengthen the local economy by finding the right strategy for BUMDes. Keywords: business diversification, strategy, village owned enterprise (BUMDes