TWC Supports Development of Tourism Village Potential in Central Java
As a state-owned enterprise engaged in tourism, PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero) supports the development of the potential of Tourism Villages in Central Java. Synergy between state-owned enterprises and Tourism Villages is needed as a form of orchestration of tourism actors in welcoming the new order post-pandemic.
This is realized by implementing a synergy program between the two parties. This is marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between PT TWC and Desa Wisata Nusantara (Dewisnu) Foundation.
Marketing & Service Director of PT TWC Hetty Herawati together with the Chairperson of Dewisnu Jateng Hadi Sucahyono carried out the signing which was held at the Andrawina Ratu Boko Meeting Room, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Wednesday (8/9/2021). This procession was witnessed directly by the Head of the Central Java Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office (Disporapar), Sinoeng Nugroho, Chairperson of the Nusantara Tourism Village (Dewisnus) Mangku Kandia and VP Marketing and Sales of PT TWC Pujo Suwarno.
This form of understanding initiated several programs such as UMKM galleries in the Borobudur area and towards Borobudur, the formation of tour packages, ticket bundling, clustering of tourism potential and curation of creative economic products on an export scale.
"This is an initial step for a big cooperation. Through this MoU, we are trying to open opportunities in many ways, including the development of existing potential, such as products and experiences presented," explained Hetty Herawati in her speech.
The village is an entity that survives during this pandemic. Life that is based on the principle of locality and the spirit of family is a strength in facing this pandemic.
"Honestly, I am proud of this collaboration. So far, the Village has been an extraordinary strength and potential and we must support it together. This is because the Village has proven to be one of the national economic resilience," he continued.
According to Hetty Herawati, the momentum of this pandemic has changed the concept of tourism a lot. Tourism villages as local-based actors can gain opportunities to develop existing potential.
"Our domestic market is extraordinary. During this pandemic, people appreciate local tourism more. Later, when the momentum is reopened, we will be present with better products," said Hetty Herawati.
In line with this, the Head of the Central Java Youth, Sports, and Tourism Agency (Disporapar), Sinoeng Nugroho added that tourism during this pandemic has a different paradigm than before. "Tourism tends to localize, privatize, small in size and customize. This character is actually in tourist villages," he said.
Dewisnus Chairman Mangku Kandia said that Dewisnus is ready to develop tourist villages in Central Java. The institution, which has branches in 240 cities and districts in Indonesia, schedules various activities as a means of development both in the field of human resources and the potential of the existing region.
"We are here to help the central government in developing tourist villages. The programs that will be implemented include mapping potential, packaging, promotional programs. We also initiated the Nusantara Tourism Village Festival," he explained.
According to Mangku Kandia, support from many parties is needed in developing the tourist village area. "There are two keys, uniqueness and community participation. In theory it is easy, but the implementation is full of challenges," he said.
Meanwhile, VP Marketing and Sales of PT TWC Pujo Suwarno added that even though PPKM is still in effect, coordination continues to be carried out. Pujo also invited tourism village actors to learn through the Borobudur relief as a source of knowledge to improve the narrative of MSME products in Central Java.
"Our short-term program will hold a working meeting at the Borobudur DPSP. In addition, we will also invite these members to learn storytelling through the reliefs in Borobudur Temple," he said.
