UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta students revives Guma Tirta Karya (GTK), a natural tourist attraction in Kutawaru, Cilacap Tengah, Cilacap District. The project was implemented in collaboration with the local community.
Guma Tirta Karya is a mangrove forest in the westernmost of Kutawaru village built by a collaboration between local peoples and Solusi Bangun Indonesia (SBI). The destination was filled with visitors and was well-known among people outside Kutawaru before experiencing a decline.
The UNS students in Student Community Service Program (KKN) UNS Group 143, led by Nurul Huda Dinda Lestari, stated that the main attraction of this location is its sunset. Unfortunately, visitation has dropped since the pandemic began. “This led to lack of income and unkempt facilities,” Dinda explained during the revitalization process on Tuesday (5/4/2022).
Collaborating with Corporate Social Responsibility PT. SBI, the team prepared a photo booth representing locals’ livelihood in the destination. The photo booth took the shape of fishers’ boats in 2 x 6 meters size. “Hopefully, this photo spot could accommodate people visiting in the group who want to capture the moment,” she added.
The program received positive responses from the visitors. Agung, one of the visitors, stated that there was a significant improvement before and after the pandemic.
“I think the location is better and more organized now, and there are boats we could use to take photos in the sunset, so it is better,” Agus said.
The new facility is expected to increase visitations and benefit the area’s small stores. Taufik, one of the shop owners, thanked the KKN Group. “Even before reaching 100% of the plan, many people are curious and visiting. Hopefully, it will increase in the future, and more people will come to my shop,” he stated. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti