During the second periode of KKN-PPM Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2023, Unit BT009 of UGM students collaborated with the local government and communities of Tanara Village and Pedaleman Village through the KKN-PPM program, under the theme “Development of Areas and Revitalization of Cultural/Religious Tourism Based on Local Wisdom.” This initiative was tailored to the analysis of the development potential of the Tanara area, aiming to transform it into a vibrant cultural and religious tourism destination, leveraging the rich history and culture of both villages.
Tanara District boasts an array of religious tourism attractions, including the revered tombs of Syekh Nawawi and Prince Sunyararas, alongside historically significant old mosques. These sites hold immense cultural and religious value, and their preservation and promotion are crucial for the region’s tourism development. Recognizing this potential, UGM KKN-PPM students, in collaboration with the local government, undertook comprehensive programs to bolster and promote local culture and tourism.
One key initiative involved organizing various cultural festivals in Banten. These festivals were designed to celebrate and preserve local traditions, drawing attention to the region’s rich cultural tapestry. These events provided a platform for showcasing local art, music, and traditions and helped foster a sense of community pride and involvement. These activities are expected to support the achievement of sustainable development goals, specifically for goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, where festivals could contribute to promoting sustainable tourism practices that respect the local environment and communities by focusing on local culture and heritage.
Besides organizing the festivals, the UGM KKN-PPM students, along with the local government, also focused on reactivating the local tourism awareness group, POKDARWIS, in Tanara Village. This group plays a pivotal role in promoting tourism and ensuring that local attractions are well-maintained and marketed effectively. As part of this effort, the students created a comprehensive Work Program Plan, which outlines strategies and activities aimed at enhancing the tourism experience in the village. Further efforts made by the UGM students included developing user-friendly tourism websites that provide detailed information about local attractions, accommodations, and cultural events. These websites are designed to attract tourists by offering a seamless and informative digital experience, encouraging more visitors to explore the hidden gems of Tanara and Pedaleman Villages. The students also produced various village and cultural profile videos to complement these digital efforts. These videos serve as visual narratives that highlight the unique heritage and stories of Tanara Village, offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultural and historical landscape of the area. By sharing these videos on social media and other platforms, the visibility of Tanara and Pedaleman Village.
The impact of these initiatives is expected to be far-reaching. By integrating local wisdom into tourism development, UGM’s KKN-PPM program has laid a robust foundation for sustainable and community-driven tourism in Tanara District. These efforts are anticipated to boost the local economy by attracting more tourists and fostering cultural preservation, ensuring that the rich heritage of Tanara and Pedaleman Villages is celebrated and safeguarded for future generations.
The collaborative efforts of UGM’s KKN-PPM Unit BT009, local government, and community members have set a precedent for how academic institutions can play a pivotal role in regional development. Through targeted programs that celebrate and preserve local wisdom, Tanara and Pedaleman Villages are well on their way to becoming prominent cultural and religious tourism destinations in the region.
