The Green Economy Research Group (RG), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) hosted a research and community service in Kedung Ombo Reservoir (WKO) Sragen, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Izza Mafruhah, SE, M.Si, as the Vice-Dean for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs, FEB UNS, the RG conducted education and assistance in managing the WKO tourist area for the Ngargosari Sragen village apparatus. The team developed a blend of ecology and education tourism for this region, a tourism concept that combines education and the environment.

Prof. Izza said that WKO is one of the reservoirs in Central Java, which extended through three Regencies, namely Grobogan, Sragen, and Boyolali Regency. Currently, the Sragen WKO has very good and extraordinary potential, especially in terms of ecology, which can be developed and combined with education, but so far, it has not been developed and yet to be managed properly. “The development of a tourism area has five main aspects: what to see, what to do, what to buy, what to arrive, and what to stay. These five aspects are indicators that will help the development of the WKO tourist area, especially in the Sragen Regency,” she explains through a release received by feb.uns.ac.id.

The ‘what to see’ aspect refers to what the visitor will see at WKO. The main potentials for WKO include the potential for vast waters, green forested areas with natural scenery, and cool air. This potential can be developed with the help of the second indicator. The ‘what to do’ aspect can be developed through fisheries establishment, especially Karamba aquaculture, culinary, fishing, and water games, while still adhering to safety aspects.

The vast potential of the terrain can be used for fruit crops, especially Longan and crystal guava, camping ground, special interest sports, especially those with out-bond nuances, as well as the establishment of viewing posts with Instagram-able photo spots. The special tracks that have been built for walking and cycling can be equipped with various other means of transportation such as Bendi, Kereta Kelinci, and other facilities that make it easier for visitors to get around.

In terms of ‘what to buy,’ additional culinary and souvenir outlets can be established along the track and lakesides, which will attract tourists to come and also revive the community’s economy. What to arrive refers to the efforts taken by business actors and tourism activists to host periodic events that will attract visitors, for example, kite festivals, culinary festivals, ornamental boat festivals, and others. Hence, visitors will be attracted to attend the event. As for the last aspect, what to stay, WKO can follow the current demand on a natural-nuances inn, equipped with tents, where glamping will actually attract people from various circles, especially students, to visit WKO.

Another potential of the Ngargosari Village is the fact that the village is designated as a WKO Sragen developer and one of the internet literacy villages launched by the Sragen Regency. Internet adoption will affect tourism development, while the ease of internet access will be one of the main attractions for tourists. Meanwhile, the main weakness of WKO in Sragen is the lack of appropriate access to the location. These potentials and weaknesses certainly require a comprehensive development plan and efforts carried out by various stakeholders from the government, business actors, communities, academics, and media.

“The government is responsible and holds the authority for the road facilities construction as well as other supporting facilities at the WKO site. Business actors are responsible for developing the attractiveness of WKO in the form of events, supporting facilities, and culinary arts. Academics members are obliged to conduct research and service that encourage the lifecycle and development of WKOs. While the media is responsible for their role as the promotional mouthpiece for the WKO area,” Prof. Izza said. The five elements are known as the Penta helix. When established thoroughly, it will provide essential points for developing WKO as an attractive tourist destination. Humas FEB UNS