NINNA.ID-Since the introduction of the Village Tourism and Geopark programs, there has been a significant rise in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Entrepreneurs increasingly recognize the potential of village tourism as a source of livelihood.
Under President Jokowi’s leadership, the Indonesian government launched the concept of developing villages through Village Tourism initiatives in 2016.
The program aims to stimulate economic growth, improve community welfare, eradicate poverty, address unemployment, preserve the environment and resources, and advance cultural heritage.
Additionally, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) introduced the Geopark program. In 2020, Lake Toba was officially recognized as a Geopark by UNESCO.
If implemented effectively, these platforms can significantly impact both the national and regional economy, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Thanks to these programs—Village Tourism and Geopark—many villages have begun transforming. Across eight regencies within the Toba Caldera Geopark area, approximately 100 tourist villages have emerged.
In addition to creating tourism service industries, these programs have also given rise to new entrepreneurs in the MSME sector.
If optimized, these initiatives provide a significant opportunity for Indonesia, especially in the Lake Toba area, to develop successful MSME entrepreneurs in tourist villages.
Moreover, the government has designated tourism and the creative economy as priority sectors for national development.
Beyond fostering resilient local entrepreneurs, these programs, when executed properly, can help Indonesia safeguard its natural heritage, enhance community involvement in green financial innovation (such as utilizing natural resources through ecotourism and agroforestry), and protect forests.
The goal of this article is to explore the potential of Village Tourism and the Toba Caldera Geopark to create resilient MSMEs, conserve natural resources, and promote agricultural development.
This opportunity can be replicated in other tourist villages and Geoparks across Indonesia.
For the past four years, the author has lived in the village of Girsang 1, located in the Girsang Sipanganbolon District, Simalungun Regency, within the Toba Caldera Geopark.
During this time, the author has observed many aspects of village life, particularly noting two key areas of interest: tourism village programs and geoparks. These have also been the focus of the author’s attention and activities over these four years.
This has led the author to firmly believe that tourism villages have the potential to nurture resilient micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Being involved as a supporter and guide for tourism villages, the author has witnessed how these villages have given rise to hundreds of new MSME entrepreneurs.
The author is confident that MSME actors in tourism villages can thrive even amidst economic fluctuations.
This belief stems from observing how tourism villages and creative entrepreneurs continued to innovate, even during the over two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this piece, the author wishes to highlight the capabilities of tourism villages, especially those within the Toba Caldera Geopark, to achieve various goals.
These include addressing food crises, reducing carbon emissions, improving community economic resilience, and meeting other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What Are Tourism Villages and Geoparks?
Before delving into the basis of the author’s belief in tourism villages, it’s essential to first define tourism villages and geoparks. The scope of the author’s observations is limited to the Lake Toba area, encompassing eight regencies.
Specifically, the author has intensively studied developments in three regencies: Simalungun, Samosir, and Toba. Hence, most case studies presented are drawn from stories of tourism and MSME activists in these areas.
Economic activities in every village or region revolve around four key factors:
1. Determining the types of goods and services to produce.
2. Deciding how to produce these goods and services.
3. Distributing the produced goods and services.
4. Organizing the economy to foster growth, create jobs, and sustain livelihoods.
Tourism villages, often rich in natural resources, can creatively process these into marketable derivative products. For instance, a village abundant in spices can develop ready-to-use or ready-to-serve spice products.
While these primarily cater to local household needs, there is potential to market them externally, generating income not only from natural resources but also from tourism services.
Examples of Tourism Villages in the Toba Caldera Geopark:
1. Lumban Suhi-Suhi Tourism Village: Renowned for its Batak ulos weaving, attracting visitors who not only explore the traditional Batak houses but also purchase woven ulos products.
2. Harangan Girsang Paradise (HGP) Eco-tourism Village: Focused on agriculture, producing diverse commodities like coffee, cocoa, and various nuts, while also promoting eco-tourism and agroforestry to conserve forests.
(foto: Damayanti)
3. Tiga Rihit Village, Simalungun: Offers unique culinary products and affordable homestays, particularly popular during holidays.
4. Lumban Gaol Village, Balige, Toba: Markets its homestays digitally, providing attractions and stunning natural views near Lake Toba.
5. Sigapiton Village, Toba: Known for its pandan mats and agricultural products, this village also engages in tourism and transportation services for visitors.
6. Tipang Village, Humbang Hasundutan: Equipped with facilities for visitors, including homestays and creative products, actively promoted and developed.
7. Huta Tinggi Village, Samosir: Offers local wisdom-based tourism packages, with challenges such as limited water supply and accessibility.
8. Uluan Village, Toba: A relatively new tourism village with beach attractions and creative products, fostering new entrepreneurs in MSMEs.
Community Empowerment in Tourism Villages
Women’s Empowerment: Tourism villages have helped women become key contributors to MSMEs, enabling families to sustain themselves, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.
Youth and Teen Empowerment: Young people in villages are encouraged to develop artistic skills, contribute to product innovation, and market digitally, instilling confidence that they can pursue rewarding careers while staying in their hometowns.
Challenges Faced by Tourism Villages
1. Capital Constraints: Limited access to affordable loans for small-scale entrepreneurs hampers development.
2. Human Resource Development: The lack of skills and focus on upgrading tourism-related competencies remains a hurdle.
3. Technology and Internet Access: Connectivity gaps, especially in rural areas, hinder digital access to markets and opportunities.
4. Market Access and Logistics Costs: High costs and logistical challenges limit the movement and sale of village products.
Conclusion and Policy Recommendations
Tourism villages and geoparks, if optimized, can significantly improve community welfare by protecting natural resources, advancing agriculture, and nurturing MSMEs. However, overcoming challenges like funding, skills development, internet access, and logistical barriers is critical.
Suggested Policies:
• Expand financial inclusion through innovative products and services.
• Provide targeted training for tourism village entrepreneurs, MSME actors, and youth.
• Ensure affordable access to ICT tools and improve connectivity in remote areas.
• Address logistical issues to streamline market access and reduce costs.
By addressing these challenges, tourism villages can unlock their full potential, driving sustainable economic growth and community resilience.
Writer/Editor: Damayanti Sinaga
