In collaboration with Bangunjiwo Village (Kasihan, Bantul) and DPD ASITA DIY (Regional Leadership Council of the Association of Indonesian Travel Companies in Yogyakarta), the team scheduled a series of training on devising cultural travel packages for the traditional Wiwitan ceremony. This coaching was attended by 40 participants, mainly members of DPD ASITA DIY as well as residents of Bangunjiwo and Dlingo Villages.

The invited speakers for this program are Rob Prabowo from the tourism and travel business, Mahatma Primandaru from the ecotourism business, and Puthut Ardianto, S.Pd., M.Pd., who is an ecotourism analyst. Due to COVID-19, the number of tourists visiting Yogyakarta declined, resulting in numerous negative impacts on its tourism economy. Thus, this activity aims to recover the economy via creative, innovative, and collaborative ideas.

Yogyakarta has a high prospect of converting its rural areas into tourist spots, one of which is tourist villages. Aside from the opportunity to serve as a source of local income, the expansion promotes and highlights local cultures, especially the Wiwitan ceremony. Held before harvest, the ceremony celebrates farmers' assiduousness for their contribution to rice farming.

Before the pandemic, the tour packages of the Wiwitan ceremony were made to fulfill the requirements of most group travels. Currently, Indonesia is recuperating from the pandemic, and those in the tourism sector must adapt to the situation and enforce all necessary health protocols.

The first day of the community service began with Rob's presentation on ways to make marketable travel packages for the Wiwitan ceremony. This allows synergy between managers and related parties, specifically ASITA, to work together in improving tourism. Mahatma then shared the best practices of using the ceremony as a tourist attraction, giving an example of his ecotourism business at Mahaloka Paradise. The urgency to maintain the essence and environmental sustainability of the ceremony must be kept in mind to encourage creativity and motivation of both locals and parties involved. During the third part of the event. Facilitated by Puthut and Bagas, participants had a hands-on session on creating their tour packages during the third part of the event's agenda.

On the second day, a simulation of the ceremony was performed at Bangunjiwo Village with post-pandemic adaptations. Guided by Mahatma, the simulation is hoped to inspire business agents in Bangunjiwo Village to be a model for other villages and contribute to the development of economically-empowered tourist villages.

The Chief of Bangunjiwo Village commented that this activity will help the community to strengthen their cultural tourism, using their Wiwitan ceremony as one of the main attractions. In addition, the opportunity to unite with ASITA can expand the tourism market. The Head of DPD ASITA DIY hoped that the network initiated by this community service can benefit both the Bangunjiwo community and DPD ASITA DIY members.

Reporter: Mirmanti Cinahya Winursita (Urban and Regional Planning, 2019)
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Environmental Engineering, 2019)