The Dean of Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Drs. Djoko Suhardjanto, M.Com, Hons, Ph. D, Ak., encourage the Regional Government (Pemkab) of Grobogan to involve the millennials in regional development. This was mentioned by Prof. Djoko while serving as a speaker in a Webinar organized by the Research and Development Department of the Development Planning Agency at Sub-National Level of Grobongan District regarding ‘Local Economy Development Based on Agriculture, Tourism and Creative Industries’, Monday (14/12/2020).

In his presentation, Prof. Djoko states that Grobogan District has valuable assets, with a total of 1,473,431 population and plenty of MSMEs, as well as a beautiful environment. This asset will be more valuable when developed optimally. Especially during the ongoing pandemic, where the economic sector needs various digital creations. “There is substantial asset’s potential in Grobogan District, such as Lusi River, Timeless Fire in Mrapen, Bledug Kuwu, Teak Forest, Train, Kendeng Hill, Gua Macan, agricultural lands, and culinary tour. All of these potential need to be developed for the community welfare and popularize Grobogan District’s reputation,” Prof. Djoko explains.

Additionally, a fundamental step that is needed by Pemkab Grobogan to adapt to the current condition is by managing regional assets to be more productive. Further, the bureaucratic mindset needs to be transformed into an entrepreneurs’ spirit with more courage to think and act creatively, innovatively, and visionary, to implement new public management and strong leadership. According to him, the leading sector can encourage other sectors, either in agro-tourism or cultural tourism. The creative economy follows the chosen leading sector. The most probable region is the Pulokulon with its agricultural characteristic. This region can be driven with appropriate branding and digital media coverage.

“There are many natural potentials in Grobogan that need better management. Interesting tourism attraction can be managed and combined with activities showing local culture. Furthermore, each event must be broadcasted through social media,” Prof. Djoko states.

A more creative and innovative regional tourism assets management can be useful for the local community. Economic activities can continue and improve Grobogan’s community welfare. Prof. Djoko encourages the participants to think out of the box, to think of something differently, creatively, innovatively, and visionary. The young generation’s involvement, especially those who understand the current technology, is crucial to promote Grobogan’s reputation through social media. In concluding his presentation, Prof. Djoko shares several strategies in developing the creative economy in Grobogan District. Among others are organizing tourism village competitions at sub-district and district level, give rewards to winners of tourism village competitions, promote them using social media. These activities can involve the Public Servant at the District level. Another supporting aspect such as culinary tourism, souvenirs, etc., should be prepared too. (Humas)