Indonesia’s tourism initiative is helping to reduce poverty

WHEN a country relies heavily on tourism, it is essential the residents do what they can to make destinations as appealing as possible – and that has been happening in Gunungkidul, Indonesia.

“With more tourist attractions being managed by the locals, it creates a multiple effect for the economy as the locals earn direct income from the tourism sector,” said Gunungkidul Central Statistics Agency (BPS).

According to data from BPS, the poverty rate in Gunungkidul in 2016 was recorded at 19.34 percent which is a decrease from a critical recording of 21.73 percent in 2015.

The cycle of poverty in which many residents from Gunungkidul are stuck is created from the infertile and hilly land on which they farm, meaning they can’t meet the financial needs of a family so fall into a perpetual sequence of debt.

The Indonesian government is exploring different aspects of tourism throughout the country by creating programs based on community empowerment called Kelompok Sadar Wisata, also known as Pokdarwis.

There are 30 Tourism Awareness Communities (Pokdarwis) benefiting from the tourism sector. By focusing on areas that have long been forgotten by the government, new attractions can be created, pulling in tourists and benefiting the local economy.

What to do in Gunungkidul

Gunungkidul’s attractions include a stunning variety of beaches, most of which are quiet and unfrequented, perfect for relaxing.

Kapan ke pantai guys,lihatlah betapa cantiknya pemandangannya,hhhmm….semilir angin sepoi-sepoi Sepoi,penghilang penat dan pasti betah untuk berlama-lama ….yuk ke pantai pasir putih gunung kidul.. Paket sewa mobil 12 jam hanya 350rb(mobil+drivr),bisa untuk 5 orang agar lebih hemat hehehe…aku tau apa maunya??? Cp.0817.942.5721(WA) #gunungkidulbeach #sadrananbeach #poktunggalbeach #krakalbeach #slilibeach#indrayantibeach#Adventuretrips #travelers#jogjaeksplore

A post shared by Wisata jogjakarta sewa mobil (@wisata_jogjakarta.tourguide) on Nov 28, 2017 at 6:24pm PST

The stunning Sri Gethuk Waterfall is also a sight for sore eyes. The water cascades into a natural, nutrient-rich emerald pool, so take a swim or a natural shower in this beautiful place.

Sometimes you need to step outside, get some air and to do something for recharge your energy & mood … #srigethuk #srigethukwaterfall #airterjun #waterfall #airterjunsrigethuk #gunungkidul #Jogja #yogyakarta #indonesia #travel #travelers #traveller #traveling #instatravel #instapics #instalike #pictoftheday #photooftheday #backpacker #holidays #holiday #vacation #jalanjalan #explorejogja #yushavaganza

A post shared by yushavaganza (@yushavaganza) on Nov 14, 2017 at 12:33am PST

Scaling the Ancient Nglanggeran Volcano that watches over Gunungkidul is also a must-do. The site has educational materials telling you about ancient life on the mountain, and you can hike up to the top to find incredible views and tranquillity.

End of The Road #ancientmount #nglanggeran #patukjogja #gunungkidul #jogja

A post shared by Haryadi (@xplorer_kutai.np) on Nov 21, 2017 at 5:31am PST

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Source: travelwireasia.com