TAF PUBLISHING

Limited access to resources and entrepreneurial training in rural areas often hampers the development of a sustainable creative economy. This study aims to examine the role of volunteers in addressing these challenges and supporting the growth of the rural creative economy for sustainable development in rural areas of Indonesia, using the Lumbung Literacy Foundation as a case study. A qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews with the foundation's founder, project leaders, village communities, and participants of the volunteer independence program, supplemented by observation and document analysis. The findings reveal that volunteers act as agents of change by fostering creativity and innovation within communities. They provide skill-building workshops, facilitate access to resources, and promote local products, which in turn improve community income and well-being. Volunteers also play a crucial role in expanding market networks for rural products by leveraging digitalization, such as online marketing and e-commerce platforms, enabling rural goods to compete in broader markets. This study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between volunteers and local communities, where skill transfer is adapted to the cultural context. Volunteer-driven initiatives have been shown to significantly contribute to sustainable rural development by empowering local economies and preserving cultural heritage through creative activities. It is recommended that similar programs be expanded to other rural areas in Indonesia by strengthening collaboration between governments, volunteers, and local communities.