The southern coastal area has become a supporting region for tourism in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). This area offers the attraction of coastal landscapes, hills, and cultural diversity. Therefore, a research team from the Tourism Doctoral Program, Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a study examining the uniqueness of this area, particularly related to destination branding and brand authenticity.
Kanigoro Village was selected as the research location due to its diverse tourism attractions. The process of collecting data and information was carried out with observation and in-depth interviews with community groups in the developing tourism products in the area.
FGD sessions and in-depth interviews were conducted on Wednesday, April 8th 2025, at Ngobaran Beach, Kanigoro Village. The session was attended by representatives of the community groups including BUMDES, the temple caretaker (juru kunci), fishermen working groups, businessmen, former Pokdarwis administrators, as well as students from the Tourism Doctoral Program.
Prof. Drs. M. Mukhtasar Syamsudin, M.Hum., Ph.D of Arts, as the chief of the research team, emphasized the need for active participation from various stakeholders such as central and local governments, village authorities, media, and community groups. The significant potential of Kanigoro Village must be managed properly so that opportunities for development through the tourism sector are not lost. Therefore, the results of this research will be used to evaluate and provide appropriate policy recommendations (policy brief) to the government.
The infrastructure development in the southern region, with the paradigm of development follows infrastructure, is expected to stimulate economic growth in surrounding areas. Based on this background, the study aims to identify the brand authenticity of tourism destinations in the coastal area of DIY, particularly in Gunung Kidul Regency. This is also in line with the vision of Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, “Among Tani Dagang Layar,” which positions the southern coast as the front porch of Yogyakarta.
Suyatno, as the chief of BUMDES Kanigoro, responded positively to this research and hopes it can serve as a consideration for other stakeholders to be more seriously involved in managing tourism in Kanigoro and the southern coastal region in general. He emphasized that the role of local communities is crucial in managing tourism resources in village tourism. It means local communities, who understand their area well, should be given greater opportunities to manage tourism resources. Therefore, strengthening the industrial sector, fostering innovation, and developing infrastructure for tourism are highly important (SDGs 9).
It should also be noted that this research was conducted under the 2026 Graduate School research grant scheme, with the main theme “Transformation Towards Food Sovereignty, Welfare, and World Peace.”
Author: M. Nilzam Aly
Editor: Arfikah Istari