UII Supports Embung Bembem Tourism Development

Yogyakarta—Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) took part in efforts to develop Bembem Reservoir (embung) in Giriasih Village, Gunungkidul Regency, as an educational tourism park.

Through its community service program, UII’s involvement began in 2017 by preparing a tourism park master plan for the site. Since then, UII has implemented multiple projects for the park, such as development of water tourism and capacity building for the local community.

Continuing the existing good collaboration, UII and the Giriasih Village implemented another project, the “Launching of a Fruit Garden to Support Embung Bembem’s Tourism” on Sunday, 18 June 2023.

This launch, which was part of UII’s 80th Anniversary celebrations, was attended by Head of Gunungkidul’s Environmental Agency, UII Rector, Purwosari District head (panewu), Giriasih Village Head, Purwosari Police Chief, Commander of the Purwosari Military Post, Head of YBW UII’s Community Empowerment Department, invited guests, and local community members.

The series of activities to launch the fruit garden began with the signing of an inscription by the UII rector and Gunungkidul Regent, who was represented by the Head of the Gunungkidul Environmental Agency. This was followed by the symbolic planting of an avocado tree near the reservoir.

UII’s Head of Community Service Center, Junaidi Safitri, S.E.I., M.E.I., said the first development phase of this 3,000-m2 area would see the planting of 80 fruit trees. Other than avocados, rambutan trees will also be planted here.

The event also saw the release of tilapia fish into Embung Bembem, inauguration of the new Embung Bembem nameplate, distribution of 150 basic food packages, delivery of six Barokah Carts by the YBW UII Community Empowerment Department, and an MSME exhibition by the local community.

Head of the Gunungkidul Environmental Agency, Antonius Hary Sukmono, who attended the event on behalf of the Gunungkidul Regent, expressed his gratitude for this cooperation. He said that UII had supported and developed the idea of caring for others and the environment in Giriasih Village.

“The effort to preserve Embung Bembem through the launch of this fruit garden is proof of the environment’s carrying capacity to increase the natural tourism potentials in the Giriasih Village area as well as efforts to increasingly entice visitors to Embung Bembem,” said Antonius Hary Sukmono, who was also Acting Head of the Gunungkidul Tourism Agency.

Antonius Hary Sukmono expressed hope that all parties, especially the local community, took part in maintaining the sustainability and cleanliness of the facilities at the Embung Bembem tourism site. “The local government is determined and committed to developing Gunungkidul tourism,” he said.

UII Rector Prof. Fathul Wahid, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. hoped that the fruit garden would be realized well as a gift for UII’s 80th anniversary commemoration.

Embung Bembem is a reservoir that does not subside even during the dry season. This is one of the reasons why the community and village officials are enthusiastic and supportive of the development of Embung Bembem tourism that began under the UII Community Service Program in 2017.

Prof. Fathul Wahid said that UII was increasingly confident in exploring and increasing the capacity of tourism potentials in Giriasih Village. One realization of this was the launch of the Embung Bembem fruit garden.

UII was grateful for the collaboration, which involved various parties, including the regency office and the community. “This is a form of strong support and shared mission for the good and benefit of the wider community,” he said.

“Going forward, Embung Bembem will be even more organized and become the capital for establishing the Giriasih Village as an excellent tourist attraction,” said Prof. Fathul Wahid. (VIP Magazine Vol 10)