UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta stated its readiness in assisting Sragen District Government in re-arranging Gunung Kemukus area. This statement was delivered by the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, in the Interactive Dialogue on “The Management and Post-Construction Development in Gunung Kemukus Area” in Sunan Hotel, Monday (20/12/2021).
This event was also attended by Sragen Regent, dr. Kusdinar Untung Yuni Sukowati and the Head of Regional Settlement Infrastructure Center (PPW) Central Java Directorate of Settlement Ministry of Public Works and Human Settlement (Ministry of PUPR) Cakra Nagara S.T., M.T., M.E.
Prof. Jamal explained that the existing image of Gunung Kemukus as a dark tourism destination needs to be changed, and UNS will take the role to change the image. The Rector is distraught that the religious tourism site turned into dark tourism filled with fornication business.
“This kind of belief needs to be fixed; we are ready to collaborate with Sragen. in the future. Hopefully, the area will become a tourism destination for children, cultural tourism destination so that children could grow well and their mother does not have a negative perception,” Prof. Jamal added.
UNS Support
UNS will provide several supports for the Sragen District Government in supporting the Gunung Kemukus revitalization process into “The New Kemukus” by the Ministry of PUPR. First, UNS will send its Study Centers to the Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM) UNS, Research Groups in programs, and Center for Excellence (PUI) Javanologi UNS. The study centers that will be involved in this program are Research and Development Center for Tourism and Cultural, Population and Gender Research Study Center, Entrepreneurship Development Center, and Rural Areas Research and Development Center. The Research Group that will participate in the program is from the green economy, applied technology, tourism, and health. It is possible that more centers and groups will participate during the implementation
“This (program) could be used as a means and facilities so that the existing studies could change cultural perception and directed it into a more positive image,” Prof. Jamal stated.
Secondly, UNS will utilized Gunung Kemukus area in Sumberlawang Subdistrict, Sragen as a site for Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program implementation because the area has been revitalized by the Ministry of PUPR. According to the release from the Sragen District Government, the revitalization process of the area has reached 95% on November 2021. This process includes managing the entryway, building pedestrian, public space, Pangeran Samudra tomb, and other public facilities.
“Through this program, our students could be involved in Gunung Kemukus development program as a cultural destination through several activities. It will also involve faculty members, industries, and students to meet the 20-semester credits or equal to 4-6 months in the field,” he explained.
The last role of UNS is sending students through the Thematic Student Community Service Program (KKN) in Gunung Kemukus. Prof. Jamal explained that this program would be implemented periodically following the existing and clear roadmap. Through the Thematic KKN UNS program in Gunung Kemukus, UNS will involve around 3,000-5,000 students ear year and 350 field supervisors who will provide understanding on area utilization for the locals so that they feel the assistance.
UNS Recommendation
In the interactive dialogue, Prof. Jamal also shared recommendations for Sragen District Government in creating The New Kemukus as a family and religious tourism destination. Prof. Jamal recommended that the roadmap for The New Kemukus be prepared in an integrative manner and holistically because he thinks the area has numerous homework in the social, economic, and cultural issues.
“This (process) needs to involve a comprehensive handling by involving extensive stakeholders from the central/local governments, private sectors, university, and community,” Prof. Jamal explained.
UNS also suggested that Sragen District Government improve community awareness on the development plan of The New Kemukus as a source of local government income (PAD) by improving the quality of infrastructures and supporting facilities and integrating the local community’s interests with all related stakeholders.
“Third, to change the negative image, (we) need to build a new narrative on Pangeran Samudra, develop souvenirs destination, and improve the quality of homestay and the culinary sector,” Prof. Jamal added.
UNS also asked Sragen District Government to direct the area into a healthy, gender-responsive, and children-friendly tourism destination. Lastly, Prof. Jamal suggested the re-arrangement of spatial layout and settlement to create a more modern, interesting, and attractive destination.
“We will also assist with independent projects to create credits for the great cultural resources. For example, the European countries are advanced but respect the culture, and it is exciting,” he concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Y.C.A. Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti