Pati, August 14, 2023 – Students from Diponegoro University participating in the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata or KKN) have presented a policy paper focusing on the sustainable development of Tayukulon village as a tourist destination with a sustainable approach at the Tayukulon Village Hall. The activity took place from 09:00 to 11:00 AM, with participants including all the staffs of Tayukulon Village and the local community police officer (Bhabinkamtibmas). Tayukulon Village, located in Tayu Sub-district, Pati Regency, Central Java, is an area with great potential to be developed into a tourism destination. Tayukulon Village has attractive natural landscapes such as terraced rice fields, beautiful rivers, views of the Muria mountains, and stunning sunsets in the evening. It also has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances, Javanese gamelan music, wayang (shadow puppetry), kentrung (a traditional musical instrument), and other unique handicrafts. Additionally, the village offers delicious and unique culinary delights like processed milkfish, salted eggs, turmeric-based beverages, and refreshing black grass jelly drinks.

With its distinctive natural beauty, culture, cuisine, and local wisdom, the village has the potential to attract tourists both from the Pati community and beyond. However, this potential has not been fully maximized and requires efforts to develop the village into an attractive and sustainable tourist destination. Recognizing this potential, Johnsen Hezron Gelora Kasih, a Public Administration undergraduate student from the Sub-Campus K. Rembang of Diponegoro University, as part of the Community Service Program (KKN) Team II in 2023, conducted research and prepared a policy paper on strategies and policies for sustainable village tourism in Tayukulon Village. This program was initiated in response to a request from the village head who had proposed the concept of village tourism development but was still uncertain about the direction and concepts to be pursued in the future. Furthermore, this initiative was taken to stimulate local economic growth and preserve the natural environment in the area.

The policy paper compiled by the UNDIP Community Service Program (KKN) students outlines several key steps that can be taken to develop Tayukulon village as a sustainable tourism destination. Some of the main points in the policy paper are as follows: First, the development of the village’s tourism identity by creating a brand and emphasizing the unique values of the village for more effective promotion and marketing. Second, the enhancement of supporting facilities such as toilets, parking areas, and road access. Third, the strengthening of the Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), enabling the development of various educational and training programs for the local community, such as organic farming, traditional handicrafts, and environmental awareness. Additionally, the village can establish partnerships with local communities and businesses in the vicinity, creating sustainable economic opportunities. Fourthly, the formation of POKDARWIS (Kelompok Sadar Wisata or Tourism Awareness Group), which involves creating a group responsible for managing tourist destinations, preserving nature and culture, marketing and promotion, training and education, community participation, collaboration with relevant stakeholders, measurement and evaluation, innovation, and creativity. Fifthly, the development of nature and culture-based tourism packages by combining the natural beauty, local culture, and indigenous knowledge to create appealing tourism packages.

By implementing these strategies, Tayukulon Village has a significant opportunity to become a sustainable village tourism destination. This not only provides economic benefits to the local community but also helps preserve its culture, nature, and local wisdom.

Mr. Aries Junaidi, the head of Tayukulon Village, shared his impressions and hopes regarding the efforts of the students in preparing this policy paper. In his statement, he expressed his gratitude to the UNDIP Community Service Program (KKN) students for taking the initiative to assist in developing the village into a sustainable tourism destination. He stated, “I am very thankful to the UNDIP Community Service Program (KKN) students who have taken the initiative to help us develop this village into a sustainable tourism destination. This policy paper provides us with valuable guidance and inspiration for the future. Furthermore, I will collaborate with the Pati Regional Development Agency (Bappeda) to follow up on the development of tourism in Tayukulon Village.”

He added, “My hope is that the proposed steps in this policy paper are not only plans but can also be successfully implemented. I believe that with full support from the community, government, and various stakeholders, Tayukulon Village will become a place that combines natural beauty with environmental preservation and local community welfare.”

During the UNDIP Community Service Program (KKN) Student Exhibition (August 13, 2023), Dr. Muhtar, SIP, MM, the Head of Bappeda Pati, accompanied by Dr. Teguh Yuwono, M. Pol. Admin, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisip) at UNDIP, expressed their appreciation for the students’ hard work in preparing a policy paper that can have a real impact on the community. They further encouraged the students to guide the village head in reporting to Bappeda Pati in order to receive guidance towards becoming a tourism village. With the same enthusiasm, the students and the community are expected to collaborate in realizing the vision of a sustainable Tayukulon Village and setting an example for tourism development in other regions.