Desa 'Mati' di Kuningan Kini Bertransformasi Jadi Lokasi Wisata Penghasil Cuan

Summary

Desa Cikaso in Kuningan, West Java, has undergone a remarkable transformation after the COVID-19 pandemic. Once facing economic collapse, the village now thrives through a blend of tourism, innovative businesses, and digitalization. The village’s initiative to turn rice paddy embankments into a scenic tourist spot, Sawah Lope, alongside the development of organic fertilizer production and agriculture, has led to increased economic growth and employment. The village’s success in fostering collaboration and innovation earned it a second-place victory in the 2023 Nugraha Karya Desa Brilian award, highlighting its outstanding development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The village of Cikaso in Kuningan, West Java, transformed from a 'dead village' due to the COVID-19 pandemic into a thriving, successful community.
• 😀 The local government revitalized rice field embankments by turning them into an attractive tourist destination called 'Sawah Lope', which has drawn many visitors.
• 😀 The creation of 'Sawah Lope' involved building gazebos and providing activities along the irrigation channels, offering cool air with a scenic view of Mount Ciremai.
• 😀 Cikaso Village developed 8 different business units through its BUMDes (Village-Owned Enterprises), one of which produces organic liquid fertilizer from agricultural waste, generating income for the community.
• 😀 Around 300 liters of organic fertilizer are produced monthly and sold, benefiting 170 local farms and plantations.
• 😀 The village's economy grew rapidly, with its development index rising from 7.3 to 9%, and the economic growth rate increasing from 3.2 to 4.7%, nearly matching the national economic growth rate.
• 😀 The growth of the tourism sector and BUMDes business units has led to the employment of almost 89 people, contributing to local prosperity.
• 😀 Digital payment systems are prioritized in the village's financial transactions, with efforts to move towards becoming a digital village and promoting financial inclusion.
• 😀 The village's efforts to convert agricultural land into a tourism hotspot and stimulate local businesses were recognized with a second-place win in the 2023 Nugraha Karya Desa Brilian Awards.
• 😀 Cikaso's success is attributed to its focus on digitalization, infrastructure development, innovation, and collaboration, which helped the village rise from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q & A

What was the initial state of Desa Cikaso during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Desa Cikaso became a 'dead' village, with closed activities due to the pandemic, which caused economic and social disruptions.

How did the government of Desa Cikaso transform the village after the pandemic?

The government of Desa Cikaso transformed the village by converting the former rice field embankments into a tourist attraction called Sawah Lope, adding various facilities such as gazebos and activities. They also initiated the development of 8 local businesses to boost the local economy.

What kind of tourist attraction was created in Desa Cikaso?

The tourist attraction created in Desa Cikaso is Sawah Lope, a scenic spot set in rice fields with views of Mount Ciremai. It features gazebos and a variety of recreational activities, providing a peaceful and cool atmosphere.

What businesses were developed by the government in Desa Cikaso?

The government developed 8 businesses, one of which is the production of organic liquid fertilizer made from agricultural waste, such as tubers and fruits. This fertilizer is sold and used for local farming and gardening.

How much organic liquid fertilizer does Desa Cikaso produce each month?

Desa Cikaso produces around 300 liters of organic liquid fertilizer per month, which is sold and applied to approximately 170 local farms and gardens.

How has the local economy been impacted by the new businesses and tourism in Desa Cikaso?

The local economy has seen a significant improvement. The index for village development rose from 7.3% to 9%, and the economic growth rate increased from 3.2% to 4.7%, nearly matching the national growth rate.

What is the impact of the tourism and business initiatives on employment in Desa Cikaso?

The tourism and business initiatives have created job opportunities, with nearly 89 people employed in the local businesses, particularly in the management of finance and operations through the village-owned company (BUMDes).

What digital initiatives were introduced in Desa Cikaso to support the local economy?

Desa Cikaso introduced digital payment systems for various transactions, aiming to make the village more digitalized and inclusive in terms of financial management.

What recognition did Desa Cikaso receive for its transformation efforts?

Desa Cikaso won the second-place award in the national Nugraha Karya Desa Brilian competition in 2023, recognized for its transformation, innovation, and focus on development.

What were the key factors behind the success of Desa Cikaso's transformation?

The key factors behind Desa Cikaso’s success include strong collaboration between village officials and local businesses, focus on digitalization, infrastructure development, and fostering innovation and community involvement.