Transforming rural communities: The innovative approach of The One Village One CEO Program to sustainable business development in Central Kalimantan

¹ Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
² Faculty of Economics and Management, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
³ Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: iqbal.irfany@apps.ipb.ac.id

Abstract

The development of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) is a critical pathway to fostering rural economic sustainability in Indonesia, yet many remain hampered by limited organizational capacity and fragmented resource utilization. This paper examines the implementation of the One Village One CEO (OVOC) program—a collaborative initiative between IPB University and PT Maruwai Coal—targeting four BUMDes in Murung Raya Regency, Central Kalimantan. Employing qualitative methods, including participatory field observation, focus group discussions, and hands-on community engagement, the study highlights the transformation of BUMDes Batu Batuah in Batu Tojah Village, particularly in revitalizing the local patchouli-based business ecosystem. Key interventions ranged from cultivation training, SOP-based post-harvest improvements, and organic fertilization techniques to digital branding and irrigation management. These activities, led by interdisciplinary student teams under expert supervision, not only increased patchouli productivity and oil quality but also strengthened local ownership and institutional resilience. The findings demonstrate how structured mentorship, stakeholder co-creation, and context-based innovation can synergize to create sustainable, community- driven business ecosystems in tropical rural areas. The OVOC model thus offers a replicable framework for integrating education, enterprise development, and empowerment to drive inclusive rural transformation.