One of Indonesia’s provinces famous for its tourism is Bali. Each district and city in Bali has its own unique tourism potential, with the island being renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich heritage. However, Badung Regency stands out as the district with the largest and most developed tourism sector. Despite this, many villages within Badung Regency, Sobangan Village, and Baha Village have not yet fully tapped into their tourism potential. An essential issue impeding the growth of tourism in Sobangan and Baha Villages is the absence of a comprehensive map illustrating the possible dispersion of the places’ potential. This results in these potentials not being utilized and empowered optimally. Without a clear understanding of the strengths and opportunities within these villages, stakeholders and community members struggle to formulate effective strategies for tourism development.

Acknowledging these challenges, several initiatives have been implemented by UGM KKN-PPM students in Sobangan Village and its surrounding areas, delivering a variety of positive outcomes. UGM KKN-PPM is a student community service program of Universitas Gadjah Mada, where students are obliged to learn and live within the community for 50 days from July to August 2023. One significant step taken by UGM KKN-PPM students was creating detailed reports on mapping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These reports provide stakeholders with valuable recommendations for developing MSMEs in the village. By identifying and analyzing the local businesses, the community can better understand how to support and grow these enterprises, which are crucial for economic development and job creation. This supports SDGs Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which is expected to improve working conditions, enhance financial inclusion, and promote sustainable tourism for the community in the villages.

Reports on mapping MSMEs also serve as strategic materials for developing tourism support facilities in Baha Village. These reports help identify gaps and opportunities in the village’s infrastructure and services, guiding the development of facilities that cater to tourists’ needs. Additionally, the identification of agricultural product distribution in Sobangan Village contributes to optimizing its agricultural potential. By understanding the distribution network, the village can improve its agricultural practices and market its products more effectively, attracting agrotourism enthusiasts.

Additionally, UGM KKN-PPM students also created a profile video of the villages. Creating profile videos featuring local artists and their art products has helped create an image and attraction for the village’s art scene. These videos not only showcase the talents of local artists but also serve as a marketing tool to attract tourists interested in cultural and artistic experiences. Furthermore, the identification of transportation businesses provides insights into the potential and challenges of the tourism industry in these areas. Understanding the transportation network is essential for improving accessibility and convenience for tourists. 

Making profile videos of artists and art products in Baha Village promotes the village’s cultural richness. These videos highlight the village’s unique artistic expressions and cultural heritage, appealing to tourists interested in cultural tourism. In Sobangan Village, the documentation of oral literary diversity is another important initiative. This documentation preserves the village’s cultural heritage and adds to its tourism identity. Oral traditions, stories, and folklore are valuable cultural assets that can attract tourists seeking authentic and immersive experiences. Similarly, Baha Village has seen several detailed initiatives that have had significant impacts. One notable event is the presentation and showcase of the Buzzwire scientific experiment at the Children’s Day Festival. This event demonstrated and celebrated children’s creativity, engaging the younger generation and promoting educational tourism. Such events can draw families and educational groups to the village, diversifying its tourism offerings. This cultural tourism is integral to achieving SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it enhances social cohesion, promotes sustainable tourism, supports inclusive urban development, and contributes to the resilience and identity of communities. By preserving and promoting cultural tourism, villages and communities can become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development

Furthermore, UGM KKN-PPM students used GIS-based mapping of livestock and MSME distribution, which provides important information about the economic potential and business distribution in the villages. This data-driven approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of the local economy, identifying key areas for development and investment. GIS-based mapping of artist and tourism industry distribution enriches insights into cultural attractions and tourism potential, enabling more targeted and effective marketing strategies. The KKN-PPM students expected that designing village mapping and creating a website could provide residents and visitors with an informative and interactive platform. These digital tools is anticipated to enhance the visibility of the villages’ attractions, making it easier for tourists to plan their visits and explore the local offerings. 

The initiatives and strategies implemented in Sobangan Village and Baha Village by the UGM KKN-PPM students demonstrate the importance of integrated planning and community involvement in tourism development. By leveraging their unique potential and utilizing modern tools and technologies, these villages can unlock new opportunities for growth and create a sustainable and vibrant tourism sector that benefits both residents and visitors.

The villages of Seurapong, Ulee Paya, and Teunom, nestled on the picturesque and remote Breuh Island, are a part of the Pulo Aceh District of Aceh Besar Regency, within the Aceh Province of Indonesia. This island, the westernmost part of Indonesia, is a stunning blend of hilly terrain, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush landscapes, making it a unique and beautiful place to live.

The inhabitants of Teunom, Seurapong, and Ulee Paya primarily engage in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, forming the backbone of their local economy. In the agricultural sector, rice stands out as the primary commodity produced for local consumption. Despite the community’s reliance on agriculture, the management and productivity of agricultural products remain suboptimal. Challenges such as limited arable land, difficult irrigation, and insufficient agricultural knowledge and skills among the residents hinder their ability to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. As a result, the villagers often find themselves dependent on sourcing vegetables from outside their immediate area to meet their daily nutritional needs.

Recognizing these challenges, a dedicated student team from the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) Unit AC002 of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) took the initiative to collaborate with the local community during the second period of KKN-PPM program in 2023. Their mission was to empower the residents by enhancing their agricultural skills and introducing sustainable practices that could improve their quality of life.

One of the key initiatives undertaken by Unit AC002 was the introduction of aquaponic systems. This innovative approach aimed to maximize the use of limited land by combining cultivating vegetables, such as water spinach, with raising catfish in a symbiotic environment. The aquaponic systems provided a sustainable solution to the problem of limited agricultural land while also offering a reliable source of nutritious food for the community. This also supports sustainable development goals, especially goal 15: Life on Land, since aquaponics does not rely on soil, eliminating soil depletion and maintaining the integrity of terrestrial ecosystems. Also, it supports sustainable agriculture as it combines fish farming (aquaculture) and plant cultivation (hydroponics) in a closed-loop system. This maximizes resource use efficiency, utilizing less water and land compared to traditional farming. Aquaponics contributes to the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, aligns with the goals of reducing land degradation, promotes biodiversity, and supports sustainable agricultural practices. 

In addition to addressing agricultural challenges, Unit AC002 also focused on improving the community’s access to clean water. They assisted in creating water purifiers, which played a crucial role in maintaining and ensuring a consistent supply of clean water for daily use. Access to clean water is fundamental for the residents’ health and well-being. Thus, the UGM KKN-PPM student team’s efforts were instrumental in supporting the community’s needs. It also supports SDG Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Creating and maintaining water purifiers can be a community-driven initiative, involving local participation in the development, implementation, and maintenance of water purification systems. This enhances community ownership and ensures the sustainability of clean water access.

The collaboration between the UGM KKN-PPM students and the villagers of Breuh Island exemplifies the power of knowledge sharing and community engagement. By working together, they addressed immediate challenges and laid the foundation for a more sustainable and self-reliant future for the residents of Seurapong, Ulee Paya, and Teunom. This partnership highlights the importance of education, innovation, and community support in driving positive change in remote and underserved areas.