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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Indonesian Universities Compete to Develop Tomohon Village

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Two Indonesian universities, UI and Binus, are competing to develop community service programs in Tomohon, North Sulawesi.
  • Their projects focus on enhancing tourism, empowering local SMEs, and preserving culture in the Kakaskasen Dua village.
  • The initiatives aim to address challenges such as digital capacity building, sustainable tourism, and cultural regeneration.

Universitas Indonesia (UI) and Binus University are engaging in a friendly competition to develop innovative community service programs in the Kakaskasen Dua village of Tomohon, North Sulawesi. This initiative, part of the Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 program, aims to address the unique potential and challenges of the region, a recognized Indonesian Tourism Village.

The UI team, named KATALIS, proposes a three-pronged approach to foster sustainable tourism and empower local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Their "Artha-Floria" initiative includes workshops on eco-print products and environmentally friendly packaging. "Nature Experience" focuses on developing wellness tourism modules and enhancing the capacity of tourism operators. Lastly, "Cerita Desa Wisata Kakaskasen Dua" aims to create an interactive website featuring a story map to promote the village's attractions.

Binus University's team, AKSARA, tackles challenges related to cultural regeneration, the low economic value of SME products, and limited promotional reach. Their "Youth Cultural Initiative" seeks to establish a community dedicated to preserving local culture among the younger generation. Additionally, the "Klaster Bersama Matuari" program aims to form clusters and provide assistance to SMEs, fostering collaboration and improving their market competitiveness.

Kakaskasen Dua village, nestled between Mount Lokon and Mahawu, is known for its cool climate, religious tourism, flower cultivation, and local wisdom. It is also a key venue for the annual Tomohon International Flower Festival. While the village possesses significant potential, it faces hurdles such as strengthening digital literacy, ensuring sustainable tourism management, promoting healthy lifestyles, optimizing promotion and branding, and preserving local history and folklore. These university-led initiatives seek to provide practical solutions to these issues, contributing to the village's development and the well-being of its residents.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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