At the end of January, 13 junior high school students from SMPN 7 Mojokerto were swept away by waves at Drini Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, resulting in the death of four students. 

Shortly after, a traffic accident occurred involving high school students from SMAN 1 Porong Sidoarjo at the Purwodadi toll exit on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, claiming two lives and injuring 19 others. 

Numerous similar accidents at tourist sites or en route to destinations have led to fatalities.

Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, a researcher at UGM’s Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), expressed concern over these incidents. 

According to him, recreational activities meant to bring joy and rejuvenation instead ended in tragedy. 

While accidents are unpredictable, he believes they can be mitigated through vigilance and prioritizing safety to reduce the risk of accidents. 

“These incidents could have been prevented if all parties had consistently applied safety protocols (SOP) and maintained control,” he stated at UGM Campus on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.

Dr. Raharjana emphasized that tourism operators should be most familiar with their environments, facilities, and attractions. 

All equipment should be in optimal condition and closely monitored, with regular safety checks. 

“Tourism and recreation service providers should professionally and consistently implement SOPs to minimize risks,” he added.

Dr. Raharjana also highlighted that tourists should feel assured of the safety of all facilities when purchasing tickets, even if insurance is included. 

He recommended that operators display safety reminders and continuously urge visitors to be cautious, especially during peak times when crowd surges may cause people to neglect safety measures.

He advised tourists to be extra cautious at outdoor destinations such as Drini Beach, especially during the rainy season. 

Visitors to water-related attractions should familiarize themselves with the location’s characteristics. 

“Being prepared and responsible for one’s own safety is key. Schools should also remind students to be careful, and knowledge of potential wave hazards should be sought or provided to tourists. The strong waves and deep trenches along the southern coast of Java should be taken seriously,” he warned.

Dr. Raharjana also expressed concern over road accidents involving tourists, such as the recent incident in Pasuruan. 

He noted that various factors, including vehicle issues and human error, contribute to these accidents. 

To prevent such incidents, he urged travel agencies to ensure vehicles are well-maintained and safe for passengers. 

“Vehicles must undergo regular safety checks, and all paperwork should be in order,” he explained.

He also called on government authorities, particularly the Transportation Department, to regularly inspect bus companies and assess their vehicles. 

“If any vehicles are found unfit, travel agencies have the right to request newer or safer vehicles,” he added.

Lastly, Dr. Raharjana emphasized the importance of regular health checks for drivers to ensure they are fit to operate vehicles. 

“A driver’s familiarity with the road is crucial for safety, as experienced drivers are generally more cautious. It’s essential for each driver to understand and learn the road conditions,” he concluded.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Lintang

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Expert Urges Focus on Safety in School-Organized Tourism pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, a researcher at the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar), stated that the Terban area has the potential to develop a culture-based tourism village. 

He believes that Cik Di Tiro Street, connected to the Kota Baru area, could serve as an interesting storyline for a tourism package. 

“By exploring the historical potential, we can create opportunities and add value to tourism,” he said in a statement sent to journalists on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

Dr. Raharjana is optimistic about Terban’s development as a historical tourism area, especially after its designation as a Cultural Village, which could strengthen the area’s cultural identity. 

He mentioned that Terban still preserves various cultural traditions, such as Ruwahan, Rejeban, Saparan, and Merti Belik, all of which should be identified and packaged as cultural products for Terban event calendars.

Husni Eko Prabowo, Head of the Tourism Resource Development Department at Yogyakarta City Government, said his office is supporting the development of tourism resources in Terban. 

There is currently only one tourism village in Baciro in the Gondokusuman District. He is committed to facilitating public ideas for tourism development. 

“Our priority is adding more tourism villages and strengthening local commitment. After the village is established, what happens next? We know Terban already has a tourism awareness group (pokdarwis). Let’s work with pokdarwis to encourage the development of local champions to seriously promote Terban as a tourism village,” he explained.

Diandra, a UGM Community Service Unit YO-175 team member, is leading a program called ‘Terban Sadar Wisata: Independent Tourism Development for the Village.’ 

She explained that the team is working to support the development of tourism based on the creative economy. 

“Terban has various historical potentials that should be explored and introduced to the current generation,” she said.

To boost tourism development, Diandra mentioned that the KKN students successfully compiled a tourism profile book to serve as a reference for developing tourism potential. 

“We hope that what we’ve done can serve as a foundation for further tourism development in Terban, including strengthening the collaborative institutions already in place,” she added.

Diandra hopes that the programs executed by the KKN students will continue through community initiatives and be further developed by future KKN teams.

Terban Village Head, Sigit Kusuma Atmaja, highlighted several historical buildings in Terban. 

According to him, these buildings have interesting historical stories. 

One example is the Police Post Office located north of Gramedia, which was once the headquarters of the Indonesian Army. 

“This former Haji Salim’s house is now a Bumbu Desa restaurant,” he explained.

He mentioned that he had received a visit from the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL), who was interested in the Navy’s history. 

According to some sources, the Navy’s headquarters was once located in Terban. 

The Galuh Hotel, located east of SMA 9, was a Navy hospital.

In 2024, Bappenas also conducted similar research, sending a team to study the origins of the National Economic Council. 

“The Panti Rekso Putro building was once considered the birthplace of Bappenas. Dr. Yap’s eye hospital was one of the most advanced eye hospitals and a reference for eye treatment from various regions, including overseas,” Atmaja said.

He added that the people of Terban have mapped out various strategic plans for developing tourism in the area, including educational-based tourism that showcases Terban’s rich historical heritage and digital promotion of culinary tourism. 

“We have a lot of potential. Not only for developing tourist attractions, but Terban also has many young people who have had the opportunity to intern in hospitality, which helps improve skills within the community,” he concluded.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel UGM Community Service Students Develop Terban Area as a Cultural Tourism Village pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

These potentials appeal to researchers and adventure tourism enthusiasts eager to explore. 

Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, an expert team member of the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), views the packaging of special interest tourism as an opportunity worth developing. 

Unfortunately, efforts to revamp the tourism sector in Murung Raya are still hindered by accessibility, connectivity, and a lack of supporting infrastructure.

Visitors who wish to come to Bumi Tira Tangka Balang must currently fly into North Barito airport and then continue by land to Puruk Cahu, the capital of Murung Raya Regency, a 2.5-hour journey. 

Tourists arriving through Palangkaraya must travel overland for 6-7 hours to reach Murung Raya. 

“This situation is certainly exhausting and requires considerable costs,” she said during the Final Focus Group Discussion on the Compilation of the Regional Tourism Development Master Plan (Ripparda) for Murung Raya Regency at GPU Tira Tangka Balang, Monday (Nov. 11).

Thus, in this FGD, Dr. Raharjana encouraged the Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office to complete the Compilation of the Ripparda for Murung Raya Regency into an Academic Paper and a Draft Regional Regulation for Ripparda 2025–2034. 

Dr. Raharjana strongly hopes that this tourism sector development document can serve as a guideline for all stakeholders. 

“We hope for communication with the Ministry of Tourism, particularly in the field of special interest tourism destinations, to bring attention to Murung Raya,” she explained.

For Dr. Raharjana, the allure of waterfalls and preserved natural beauty has the potential to be promoted in a segmented manner. 

As a researcher, he encourages the regional government to engage the younger generation, especially those active in social media communities. 

He acknowledges that the presence of young people has greatly helped the development of tourism in Murung Raya through various videos and reviews produced by social media enthusiasts. 

“They have documented various tourist attractions, and Puspar UGM has identified 105 tourist attractions, some of which we sourced from social media. The regional government can involve these social media communities when exploring several destinations to help promote them to the current generation. As tourism evolves, different promotional styles are needed,” Dr. Raharjana said.

Dr. Hermon, Acting Regent of Murung Raya, stated that, in terms of supply, Murung Raya’s tourist attractions are not inferior to those of other regions. 

Murung Raya Regency excels in its diverse range of natural and cultural tourism products, which remain authentic. 

“As previously mentioned, we are limited by accessibility. We have the Equatorial Monument as a landmark, but not everyone knows about it. Why are other regions progressing in tourism development? Because their locations are easily accessible by various means, whether by land, sea, or air. Moreover, they are supported by adequate tourism facilities and infrastructure,” he explained.

Another Puspar UGM researcher, Wijaya, revealed that 105 tourist attractions in Murung Raya Regency are spread across 10 districts. 

Tanah Siang District has the most tourist attractions, with 33 locations (31%), followed by Murung District with 20 attractions (19%). The district with the fewest attractions is Barito Tuhup Raya, with 3 locations (3%).

Natural attractions dominate, accounting for 71 sites (68%), followed by cultural tourism with 25 locations (24%), and man-made attractions with 9 locations (9%). “Of the 105 tourist attractions, five key attractions are based on the Tourism Attraction Assessment Criteria,” he stated.

Wijaya highlighted several tourist sites with the potential to attract visitors, including Sapan Park, Datah Bendu Bathing Place, Liang Pandan Waterfall, Batu Notok Cangkang Waterfall, Pasir Putih City Park, and Apat-Bantian and Konut Longhouses. 

In this context, the UGM Center for Tourism Studies proposed the zoning of two Regency Tourism Destinations, two Regency Tourism Development Areas (KPPK), and two Regency Tourism Strategic Areas (KSPK). 

The two KSPKs in Murung Raya are KSPK 1, Puruk Cahu City and its surroundings, which focuses on city tour development supported by shopping, sports, and culinary tourism, and KSPK 2, Karali—Saripoi—Cangkang and its surroundings, which focuses on aquatic and adventure mountain tourism, cultural tourism, and culinary tourism.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Artikel Puspar UGM Develops Culture-Based Ecotourism in Murung Raya Regency pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Unfortunately, once the festival ends, cultural activities also cease. Therefore, efforts are needed to develop the Malinau Cultural Park Festival, which is expected to become a cultural symbol by creating spaces for cultural activities. 

These include two main indoor theater halls, each with a capacity of 500 people, and a cultural plaza as an outdoor performance space with a capacity of approximately 1000 people.

This idea surfaced during the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Final Report for the Planning of the Malinau Cultural Park Development, a collaboration between the Malinau Regency Government and the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), held at the Malinau Regency Office Complex on Wednesday (Nov. 6).

Puspar UGM researcher and planning team member Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana emphasized that from a tourism perspective, the envisioned cultural park could serve as a culturally identifiable product. 

Malinau, with the largest area in North Kalimantan, is home to 11 Dayak tribes that live harmoniously. 

“This is a long-term project development moment, not just a concept. It is necessary to seek support from ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Creative Economy, and the Ministry of Tourism,” she said.

Malinau Regency Secretary Dr. Ernes Silvanus stated that facilitating the potential of the diverse Dayak tribes and other community groups living in Bumi Intulun by providing a representative space for artists to express their creativity is essential.

Dr. Silvanus highlighted that many cultural activities, such as finding rehearsal spaces, still face obstacles. 

“Many young people have to practice in office rooms, yards, or other available spaces,” he explained.

He hopes that the concept of the Malinau Cultural Park will provide a shared space for practicing and showcasing the uniqueness of the eleven tribes of Malinau along with other community groups. 

The goal is to create a space to preserve, nurture, and develop Malinau’s culture. Some of the buildings to be constructed include traditional houses representing the eleven tribes of Malinau. 

These buildings will later serve as alternative accommodation for tourists seeking a unique cultural experience in Malinau.

Kelik Sugiarto Atmaja, an architect on the project team, explained that the Malinau Cultural Park would cover an area of 3.8 hectares and be located on government-owned land near the Kuala Lapang Village Office and Malinau Museum. 

“The proposed location for the Malinau Cultural Park is strategically accessible,” he said.

The area, characterized by contours, includes many trees and some wetlands, reflecting the topographic characteristics of Malinau, which will be optimized as part of the park’s landscape.

Further, Atmaja explained that the park will be designed with a “Cultural Knot,” symbolizing the unity of cultural diversity. 

The Malinau Cultural Park will serve as a binding force for the cultural richness of the eleven Dayak tribes, preserved performing arts, carving arts, and more.

Atmaja hopes that the Malinau Cultural Park will become a cultural symbol for the Malinau Regency in the future. 

The design implementation includes activity spaces for cultural events, such as the two main indoor theater halls and the outdoor cultural plaza.

“There will also be eleven traditional houses as historical landscapes placed near the wetlands, following the original conditions, allowing visitors to track the area,” he said.

Several cultural leaders present, including representatives from the Dayak Lundayeh, Dayak Kenyah, Dayak Abay, Dayak Tidung, and other groups, positively received the proposal to establish the Malinau Cultural Park. 

Some related government departments also provided their views. 

The cultural leaders suggested that Ulin wood be used as the primary material for construction and local plants such as Meranti wood, Kapur wood, Gaharu wood, and others be utilized. They also recommended using local fruit-bearing plants easily found in the Malinau area.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photo: Ministry of Tourism

Artikel Malinau Regency Partners with Puspar UGM to Design Cultural Park pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Through a collaborative study with the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), the Sikka Regency Development and Planning Agency (Bapperida) held an initial Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for the Study on the Development of the Master Plan for the Sikka Geopark at the Sikka Regency Office on Friday (Oct. 25).

Agus Hendratno, a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Engineering’s Geological Engineering Department and head of Puspar’s expert team, stated that Sikka’s geological uniqueness possesses extraordinary value in terms of formations, geometry, and the history of Quaternary and Tertiary volcanic landscapes. 

According to Hendratno, the Maumere Bay Marine Nature Park (TWAL) has long been renowned, as has Mount Egon, which attracts special interest tourists who climb the volcano to observe the volcanic phenomena at its active crater. 

“It is only fitting that all parties be actively involved in promoting the Sikka Geopark’s National Geopark initiative to a global level,” he said.

Nevertheless, Hendratno emphasized that the development of this geopark must be based on the three core pillars of geoconservation: conservation, education, and economic empowerment. 

From the geoheritage mapping identification, he highlighted two geological dimensions that strengthen the uniqueness of the Ancient Volcanic Geopark in Sikka Regency: the marine and terrestrial dimensions.

Further, Hendratno stressed that the earthquake and tsunami that struck Maumere Bay, Sikka Regency, on Dec. 12, 1992, left geological traces that should be a source of learning. 

In Koja Doi Village, part of the ancient volcanic island chain in Maumere Bay, remnants of earthquake and tsunami damage and ground subsidence due to liquefaction can still be found. 

This village is near the epicenter of the 7.8 magnitude tectonic earthquake on Babi Island (an ancient volcanic island).

“The cracks in the shallow waters around Babi Island are still visible from a boat when crossing to visit the Pangabatang Islands for marine tourism. The fault lines in the shallow waters of Babi Island have now become a diving spot for both international and domestic tourists,” he explained.

Fitrinita Kristiani, Assistant I of Government and Social Welfare in Sikka, welcomed Bapperida’s initiative to promote the potential of the Sikka Geopark as a means to introduce Maumere on a global scale. Through this study, she hopes to elevate local potential. 

“We are confident that the diverse geological potential, both under the sea and on land, is rich in educational value. We also believe that the unique culture of the ethnic groups in Sikka will enhance the geoheritage products spread across 19 sites,” she said.

Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, a member of the Puspar UGM team, added that the diversity and uniqueness of the rocks, or geodiversity, and the supporting potential of cultural diversity will strengthen the storytelling aspect of the geopark development model. 

Thus, he said, the regency government, through the Tourism Office, needs to produce a guidebook on the toponyms and legends of potential geoheritage sites. 

“This pocketbook will later serve as a reference to enrich the knowledge of tour guides in Sikka Regency,” he added.

Kurnia Fahmy Ilmawan, a researcher at Puspar UGM, explained that the geological heritage in Sikka Regency spans from the sea floor to the mountain peaks across eight subdistricts: Paga, Mego, Magepanda, Palue, Bola, Doreng, Waigete, and East Alok. 

This condition shows the wealth of geological heritage that must be wisely managed for conservation, education, and the economic empowerment of the local community. The geological heritage has influenced the culture and livelihood of the people in Sikka Regency.

One geosite included in Sikka Regency’s geoheritage is Ogor Paret Beach in Woloterang Village, Doreng Subdistrict. Ogor Paret Beach is a rocky beach formed by an andesitic lava flow that solidified quickly due to contact with seawater during cooling and is exposed to massive compressive faults. 

“Recognizing the natural beauty and geological uniqueness of Ogor Paret Beach, the Tourism Awareness Group has begun to develop Ogor Paret as a tourist attraction. The development of this master plan is expected to positively impact the community and the surrounding area of the Ogor Paret geoheritage site,” he explained.

Regarding cultural diversity, Arkan Syafera, an assistant researcher, discovered that Sikka’s cultural wealth is the result of activities by various ethnic groups in Maumere, namely the Sikka-Krowe, Lio, Bajo, Palue, Tana-ai, and Muhang ethnic groups, which are further divided into sub-ethnicities. 

Each ethnic group is unique in terms of language or dialect, weaving motifs, dances, rituals/ceremonies, folklore, and more.

Some of these have already been performed against the backdrop of geosites, such as the poem that developed around the Hokor Lava Dome Cliff geosite, which reads: “Hokor Watu Apar, guman gogo leron tolor, tubu nane rebu, kota nane korak, ponun puan helang ilin, ga ata maten gateng ata moret.” 

(Hokor, the stony village, night falls – day tumbles, walled in iron, laid out on shells, the origin of the djinn from the mountains, devouring the dead, challenging the living). 

This poem tells the story of the Hokor people, who inhabited a stone village and were always victorious in battle. This later inspired the Bebing Dance as a symbol of heroism in their ancestors’ struggle to defend their territory in Hokor.

In Syafera’s view, such cultural products make geosites more interesting to visit, enjoy, and study. Additionally, local creative products such as woven fabrics, cocoa, coffee, and others can be developed as geoproducts to complement the geotrail that will be formulated. 

The Sikka Regency government has designated its woven fabrics as a Geographical Indication product. 

“I believe it is also important to include information on geobiodiversity, presenting the diversity of endemic flora and fauna, to complement the geopark that Sikka Regency is proposing to the central government,” said Syafera.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Photo: Shutterstock

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Center for Tourism Studies Designs Master Plan for Ancient Volcanic Geopark in Sikka Regency pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Popular natural attractions like Telaga Sarangan, Telaga Wahyu, Mojosemi, and others are clustered in the Plaosan District. Therefore, a comprehensive plan for regional tourism development is needed to facilitate destination management and promote equitable tourism growth in Magetan.

Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, a researcher from the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), emphasized Magetan’s strategic location, which borders the tourist attraction of Tawangmangu in Karanganyar. 

This accessibility can attract more tourists, particularly since it is well-connected to nearby areas, including Madiun Regency, Madiun City, and Ngawi Regency. 

“Magetan can be accessed through northern and southeastern routes,” Dr. Raharjana told reporters on Tuesday (Oct. 1).

Despite Telaga Sarangan being the main attraction that continues to draw visitors to Magetan, innovation remains crucial for further development. The government, private sector, and local communities must collaborate to make Magetan’s tourism more innovative and inclusive. 

According to Dr. Raharjana, a collaborative approach to building a more innovative and inclusive Magetan tourism industry should be a priority if tourism is believed to have a multiplier effect. 

Additionally, Magetan must increase its MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference, Exhibition) facilities and standardized accommodation services to support event organization. 

“Currently, holding meetings in Magetan is challenging due to the lack of facilities,” he remarked.

Puspar UGM formulated a regional tourism development strategy in the draft of Magetan’s Tourism Development Master Plan (Ripparda). The aim is to provide a roadmap for managing destinations and promoting equitable tourism growth across the regency.

Khusnul Bayu Aji, another researcher from Puspar UGM, added that the Ripparda proposes dividing Magetan into four District Tourism Destinations (DPKs), five District Tourism Development Zones (KPPKs), and four District Tourism Strategic Zones (KSPKs). 

The four DPKs are: DPK 1, which includes five subdistricts—Plaosan, Poncol, Parang, Panekan, and Sidorejo; DPK 2, covering three subdistricts—Magetan, Sukomoro, and Ngariboyo; DPK 3, which includes Maospati, Barat, Karas, Karangrejo, and Kartoharjo; and DPK 4, comprising Kawedanan, Nguntoronadi, Bendo, Takeran, and Lembeyan.

The five KPPKs proposed in the tourism zoning plan are KPPK 1 (Gunung Blego-Gunung Bungkuk and surrounding areas), KPPK 2 (Jabung-Sumberdodol-Sukowidi and surrounding areas), KPPK 3 (Tamanan-Pendem-Sukomoro and surrounding areas), KPPK 4 (Temboro-Purwodadi-Gandu and surrounding areas), and KPPK 5 (Soco-Tanjung and surrounding areas). 

The four KSPKs proposed include KSPK 1 (Telaga Sarangan-Telaga Wahyu and surrounding areas), KSPK 2 (Ki Mageti-Ndoyo-Candirejo and surrounding areas), KSPK 3 (Sendang Kamal and surrounding areas), and KSPK 4 (Simbatan-Giripurno and surrounding areas).

Beyond regional tourism development planning, the Ripparda drafting also emphasizes creating a clear vision and mission for Magetan’s tourism growth. Key themes include innovation, synergy, competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusive welfare. 

The mission’s foundational points aim to bring the vision to life, including diversifying innovative and competitive tourism products. 

“Efforts should be made to enhance the competitiveness of tourism and the creative economy, implement synergistic and responsible digital marketing strategies, and strengthen institutional capacity and human resources, supported by reliable regulations and management systems,” Aji concluded.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM and Magetan Join Forces to Strengthen Tourism and Boost Local Economy pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Therefore, collaboration among various parties is essential to develop tourism attractions sustainably. 

This point was emphasized during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, University Secretary, and the Regent of Ende, Dr. Agustinus G. Ngasu, last Friday (Aug. 30), at the UGM Central Office.

Regent Ngasu stated that Ende Regency has significant tourism potential that needs to be developed, thus requiring collaboration with the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM). 

“In addition to tourism, there are many other areas we can work on together,” said the regent, a medical doctor.

In the health sector, the regent noted that Ende Regency is currently experiencing a shortage of medical personnel, particularly medical specialists. This shortage has made it difficult for hospitals to provide optimal healthcare services, even though the community desperately needs quality healthcare. 

“Perhaps UGM can assist by placing medical students undergoing their internship in Ende,” Dr. Ngasu requested.

Furthermore, he highlighted other potential areas for collaboration with UGM. Ende Regency is implementing a Ministry of Agriculture program in the plantation sector to cultivate red and elephant ginger across 200 hectares over the next five years. 

The ginger produced by local farmers has already been exported to Dubai and Europe, with the next target being the American market. 

“I am confident that with UGM’s assistance, Ende ginger can reach America,” Dr. Ngasu expressed enthusiastically.

The success of ginger cultivation contrasts with perennial crops in the plantation sector, such as cocoa. 

“Twenty years ago, the governor launched a planting movement, but after that, there was no replanting,” he explained. 

The harvest will inevitably decline without replanting due to the plants’ age and susceptibility to pests. He hopes UGM can provide training and education to farmers to modernize plantation management.

In addition, Dr. Ngasu also mentioned the potential of Ende Regency’s fisheries and marine sector. 

“Our lobsters have already reached the Japanese market, but we are facing challenges in expanding due to transportation issues,” he explained. This is due to inefficient distribution channels. 

He stated that marine products must first be sent to Labuan Bajo before being exported from Ende, even though cold storage facilities provided by the Ministry of Agriculture are already in use. 

This potential should be considered since fisheries and marine resources remain key contributors to Ende Regency’s revenue.

Regent Ngasu concluded his speech by requesting that UGM send students for the KKN program in Ende, as students had been placed there in previous years. He mentioned that the local community highly regards KKN UGM students for their ability to engage with residents. 

“The people around Lake Kelimutu greatly appreciate the presence of UGM KKN students, and we would be delighted if there were placements in Ende again,” he concluded.

Responding to the regent’s remarks, Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, University Secretary, stated that UGM, through Puspar UGM, which has a solid reputation in tourism development at local, national, and international levels, is ready to collaborate and assist in tourism development in Ende Regency. 

“UGM thanks the Government of Ende Regency for their trust in this partnership proposal, and we hope that the existing potentials can be synergized to bring mutual benefits,” said Dr. Tonralipu.

The University Secretary added that UGM’s knowledge and technology should benefit all regions in Indonesia, not just Yogyakarta. He also mentioned that UGM is open to collaborating with faculties, study programs, or research centers, as this is a tangible contribution UGM can make to national development. 

“We will gather several PICs (persons in charge) to discuss the points raised by the regent, and we will further detail them through several cooperation agreements,” he concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Photographer: Firsto

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Ready to Assist in Tourism Development in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The event, attended by 60 participants from ASEAN member countries and Timor Leste, was a collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and received support from The Asia Foundation Indonesia.

Participants came from diverse communities and cultural backgrounds, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Laos, Singapore, and Thailand. 

They gathered to discuss sustainability and inclusivity in cultural tourism.

Jason P. Rebholz, Public Diplomacy Counselor at the U.S. Mission to Indonesia, noted that Southeast Asia has significant potential for developing cultural tourism, making it an essential regional issue. 

He expressed his pleasure that participants from various communities were discussing sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism. 

“Southeast Asia is rich in culture, traditions, and culinary diversity, which presents opportunities for collaboration with the United States and the global community. This event allows participants to learn from each other, share expertise, and empower one another for the future of cultural tourism,” said Rebholz.

The workshop served as a platform for young leaders from Southeast Asian countries and Timor Leste to build networks, exchange ideas and insights, and collaboratively think about solutions to various challenges related to cultural heritage, tourism enterprises, and aspects of inclusivity and sustainability in Southeast Asia and Timor Leste. 

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to expand their networks through interactions with fellow participants and gain perspectives on the strong relationship between the United States and ASEAN countries, including Timor Leste.

Participants visited tourism destinations, particularly Borobudur, Kota Gede, and the Sonobudoyo Museum, to learn about managing sustainable and inclusive tourist sites. 

They were also introduced to entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, tourism village managers, and regional leaders to understand how to implement what they had learned.

By the end of the event, many participants reported gaining in-depth knowledge about cultural heritage and tourism, community economic revitalization, and Southeast Asia in general. 

The skills they acquire are expected to expand their networks and enhance their careers in addressing various globalization challenges.

Participants also visited tourism sites in Yogyakarta to learn about topics such as conservation, economic development, and sustainability. They also studied various case studies discussed by experts in sustainable culture and business. 

The Southeast Asia regional workshop emphasized learning, skill transfer, and network expansion in the sustainable and inclusive tourism sector, drawing from initiatives and efforts across ASEAN and the United States.

Ngoc Thien Nguyen, a participant from Vietnam, remarked that the YSEALI Program empowers and hones the abilities of talented individuals with the tools needed to make positive contributions to their communities. 

Participants gained knowledge and understanding from experts and peers, and they had opportunities to apply their ideas and learn in their respective countries. 

“I have only positive impressions of this event. It was interesting and unforgettable; it was one of the best moments of my life,” said Ngoc Thien Nguyen.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel 60 Young People Participate in UGM’s Sustainable and Inclusive Cultural Tourism Workshop in Yogyakarta pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

One strategy Sikka must pursue is developing its tourism sector to progress and catch up with other regions.

This was highlighted during the Final Exposure of the Review Document for the Sikka Regency Tourism Development Master Plan, a collaboration between the Regional Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (Bapperida) of Sikka Regency and the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), held on Tuesday (Aug. 6) at the Bapperida Hall, Sikka Regency Government.

The event was attended by Acting Secretary of Sikka Regency Margaretha Movaldes Da Maga Bapa, Head of Bappeda, Head of the Department of Tourism and Culture, UPTD-KPH Sikka Regency, academics from several universities in Maumere City, Sikka Tourism Association PHRI, ASITA, HPI, AKUSIKA.

Representatives from Sanggar Budaya Lepo Lorun, Bliran Sina, and Doka Tawa Tana, as well as village heads, were also present. Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana and Ika Racmadhani Kurniawan represented the Puspar UGM expert team.

Acting Secretary of Sikka Regency Margaretha Movaldes Da Maga Bapa stated that Sikka Regency has a wide variety of tourist destinations that, if well-managed and developed, could stimulate growth in related sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, food, creative industries, transportation, and other services. 

“With various tourism activities, there will certainly be many new business opportunities and increased income for the local community,” she said on behalf of the Acting Regent of Sikka.

On this occasion, the secretary also strongly desired that UGM send its students for Community Service Programs (KKN) in the Sikka Regency. She said these KKN UGM activities could accelerate development in the Sikka Regency. 

“We hope that through this collaboration, there will be a transfer of knowledge from UGM to local universities in Sikka Regency. Collaboration between universities, such as UGM with local campuses in Sikka, should be encouraged, and with this collaboration, joint research can certainly be conducted,” she said.

Puspar UGM expert team member Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana mentioned that Sikka Regency can potentially retain tourists for extended stays due to its diverse, natural, cultural, and scenic attractions. 

“Unfortunately, it still faces several challenges in marketing,” Dr. Raharjana noted.

The challenges include limited air transportation options. Flight schedules to and from Sikka are not guaranteed daily. 

“Flights still depend on Labuan Bajo-West Manggarai,” Dr. Raharjana explained.

The second challenge is the long travel time required to reach Sikka. Third, from a promotional perspective, especially through the POSE (Paid Media, Owned Media, Social Media, and Endorse) approach, there is still a lack of serious effort and adequate facilities. 

Moreover, there is a shortage of innovative human resources, and budget constraints limit this effort. 

“Fourth, although information technology is being utilized for marketing, the updating and packaging of promotions have not been extensively carried out,” Dr. Raharjana added.

Another researcher, Wijaya, presented Puspar UGM’s analysis of tourism attractions, identifying 126 attractions spread across 21 districts. Waigete District has the most attractions, with 12, followed by Palue, East Alok, and Magepanda Districts, each with ten attractions. 

The districts with the fewest attractions are Mapitara and Koting, with just one attraction each. Natural attractions comprise the majority, with 73; cultural attractions with 47; and man-made attractions with 6.

“Among the 126 attractions, ten are considered top-tier attractions based on tourism appeal criteria,” he said.

Wijaya mentioned several potential tourist sites, including Koja Doi Island, Mini Beach, Bukit Purba, Jembatan Batu, Pangabatang Island, Koka Beach, Bliran Sina Cultural Studio, Lepo Lorun Cultural Studio, Kajuwulu Cape, Egon Nature Tourism, Babi Island, Doka Tana Tawa Cultural Studio, and Paga Beach.

Meanwhile, Ika Racmadhani Kurniawan, a research assistant at Puspar UGM, added that the territorial tourism analysis conducted by Puspar UGM proposed four Regency Tourism Destinations (DPK), three Regency Tourism Development Areas (KPPK), and seven Strategic Tourism Areas (KSPK). 

The seven KSPK in Sikka include KSPK 1 Maumere Bay Marine Tourism Park (TWAL) and surrounding areas, KSPK 2 Kajuwulu-Magepanda and surrounding areas, KSPK 3 Maumere City and surrounding areas, KSPK 4 Egon-Blidit and surrounding areas, KSPK 5 Nita-Nelle and surrounding areas, KSPK 6 Kojowair-Umauta and surrounding areas, and KSPK 7 Koka-Paga and surrounding areas.

Dominggus, a local tourism practitioner, acknowledged Sikka Regency’s diverse potential but noted that it has not yet been able to compete with other destinations. 

He believes it is difficult for Sikka to compete with Labuan Bajo because it is a super-premium destination that receives significant government funding.

“The large-scale infrastructure-based tourism development in Labuan Bajo has marginalized the local culture. Therefore, we strive to make Sikka the antithesis of Labuan Bajo by emphasizing culture as the strength neighboring regencies lack,” Dominggus hoped.

The Head of the Regional Research and Innovation Division of Bapperida Sikka Regency, Fransiskus Suryanto Nara Bata, stated that tourism development in Sikka Regency has been prioritized over the past two years. 

This is reflected in the regional development planning documents. Support from the local government in the tourism sector has begun to show, with large-scale tourism and cultural events, such as the Jelajah Maumere Festival, scheduled for Sep. 12-14. 

“One of the most interesting activities at the festival will be the Sikka Fashion Carnival (SFK), which will highlight ikat weaving as a cultural strength of Sikka,” said the division head.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Photo: Superlive.id

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel Puspar UGM Identifies 126 Tourist Attractions in Sikka Regency with Development Potential pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This seminar was held to celebrate Puspar UGM’s 30th anniversary and to continue generating ideas as part of its contribution to the development of Indonesian tourism, aiming for further improvement.

“‘Love letters’ were chosen to express deep affection for the development of tourism in Indonesia,” said Dr. Muhamad Yusuf, Head of Puspar UGM, at the UGM Graduate School on Tuesday, Jul. 23, 2024.

Dr. Yusuf shared the good news that Indonesia has recently moved up to 22nd place in the Travel Tourism Development Index, improving from 32nd place globally.

Despite this remarkable achievement, tourism still faces many challenges. 

Ongoing issues in Indonesian tourism require severe attention and comprehensive solutions.

“From this starting point, Puspar UGM feels the need to express its love through activities themed ‘Love Letters from Bulaksumur: Building a Resilient, Sovereign, and Responsible Future for Indonesian Tourism,’” Dr. Yusuf explained.

Dr. Yusuf also added that the “love letters” would be policy briefs, longer papers, and books. 

“Guests here are welcome to contribute a chapter if they wish, and we can include and publish it in the book to complement the existing writings,” he added.

The seminar featured key thinkers sharing their perspectives in two main sessions. 

The first session included Professor Janianton Damanik, who discussed tourism policy during governmental transitions and how political and economic policy priorities might affect Indonesian tourism. 

In line with the previous speaker, Professor Tarcicius Yoyok Wahyu Subroto reviewed challenges related to preservation and conservation needed at destinations with a robust economic growth paradigm.

Meanwhile, Professor Tri Kuntoro Priambodo addressed the dark side of digitalization, which has been lauded as a tool for tourism growth but also carries risks of cybercrime.

On another front, Professor Muhammad Baiquni reminded us of other real threats, such as climate change and its impacts on Indonesian tourism ecosystems, along with strategies for balanced management.

The second session featured Bobby Ardiyanto Setyo Adji, representing GIPI DIY, discussing the fragile state of the tourism industry in the face of globalization and market pressures. 

He provided factual information on how the industry can continue to develop amidst these challenges. 

Dr. Wiwik Sushartami also explored the gap between tourism education and industry needs and how to address this gap to meet industry challenges.

Dr. Dyah Widyastuti discussed the massive growth of tourism destinations trying to keep up with increasing demand, leading to uncontrolled growth and a lag in discussions on green tourism. 

Dr. Hendrie Adji Kusworo concluded the session, emphasizing the importance of strengthening community roles in tourism development, observing how these roles are recognized, and how communities can become key players rather than mere spectators in driving Indonesian tourism.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel “Love Letters from Bulaksumur” Seminar Highlights 30th Anniversary of Puspar UGM pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.