On Thu
rsday (22/05), the Community Service (PKM) Team from the Tourism Master Program (Prodi MKP), Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM), carried out an initial survey at Karangrejo Tourism Village, Loano District, Purworejo Regency, Central Java. The team was led by Dr. rer.pol. Dyah Widiyastuti, S.T., M.C.P., Chair of the MKP Program, with team members including lecturer Dr. Sudaryatno, M.Si. The team also involved two MKP students, Ahmad Dani Dahlan and Wahyu Ariyanto, as well as one research assistant, Nissa Larasati.
The team’s arrival was warmly welcomed by the Chief of Karangrejo Tourism Village, Mr. Patnani. Mr. Patnani expressed his hope that collaboration with the PKM team from SPs UGM could provide tangible contributions toward strengthening the village capacity in managing its tourism potential sustainably. This survey is the initial stage of the PKM program funded by the 2025 SPs UGM PKM Grant, aimed at identifying local potential, challenges, and strategic needs for community-based tourism development in the village.
“This initial survey activity is very important as a foundation for designing community service programs based on the real needs of the community. We want to ensure that every intervention step is truly relevant and beneficial for the village,” said Dr. Dyah Widiyastuti.
The team, after conducting intensive discussions and gathering information about the village’s potentials, challenges, and needs, continued their visit to Embung Semawung, one of the flagship tourism icons of Karangrejo Village. This reservoir offers stunning natural panoramas including stretches of rice fields, green hills, and a magnificent view of Mount Sumbing clearly visible from the site. The beauty of this landscape is the main attraction for tourists seeking nature tourism and tranquility.
This PKM program is part of SPs UGM’s commitment in implementing the tri dharma of higher education, particularly community service. With full support from the community and village government, it is hoped that Karangrejo Village can develop into a competitive tourism destination while maintaining local values and environmental sustainability.
Author: Asti Rahmaningrum