Abstract :
This study aims to determine the role of BUMDES in improving the economy of communities in rural areas (Study in Lamahu Village, Bilato District, Gorontalo Regency). The research method used is with a qualitative approach and descriptive type of research. The results of the study are: of the 5 aspects or indicators of the role of BUMDes in improving the community's economy, it has not fully played a good role. In the aspect of building and developing the potential and economic capabilities of the village community, it is found that the business run by BUMDes is currently not in accordance with the potential of the village; In the aspect of playing an active role in efforts to improve the quality of human life and society, it is obtained that this aspect can be socially helpful but economically it has not been able to play a role; In the aspect of strengthening the people's economy as the basis for the strength and resilience of the national economy with BUMDes as the foundation, it is found that BUMDes currently have limited capital that is only exhausted in meeting consumable needs; In apsek trying to realize and develop the economy of the village community, obtained by the limitations of BUMDes so that it is difficult to develop businesses related to the potential of the village: and in the aspect of helping the community to increase their income so as to increase the income and prosperity of the community, it was found that Bumdes was only able to help the community in the sale of RO refill water, procurement of ATK and photocopies for students.