In an effort to share experiences and to also motivate Forest Farmers Groups (KTH) operating within Papua in terms of their efforts to develop ecotourism, the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) and the Wasur National Park, working in conjunction with FORCLIME, recently arranged a visit for KTH from the villages of Tablasupa, Dosai, Maribu, Pasir 6, Yanggandur and Wasur to the Blimbingsari Tourism Village in Jembrana Regency, Bali. The visit, which took place on September 3, 2022, was one of the events associated with the exhibition that was recently organized in order to celebrate National Nature Conservation Day, which was this year held in the West Bali National Park.

During the study visit, participants were accompanied by Mr. Nana Rukmana, a village facilitator from the National Park of Bali Barat. The group was also warmly received by Mr. I Made John Ronny, the Perbekel (the local name for village head) of Blimbingsari at the Blimbingsari Village Office.

Blimbingsari Village is a tourism village organized through community-based management. No hotels or restaurants may operate in this village. Instead, all tourism-related services, including guesthouses and meals, are provided by the local village community. With assistance from the Bali Barat National Park, Blimbingsari Village has become a popular place for the breeding of Bali starlings (Leucopsar rothschildi). These Bali starlings are bred from captivity but are ultimately returned to nature and this is one of the activities that attract visitors to the village. In addition, Blimbingsari Tourism Village offers cross-country tour packages that allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural uniqueness of the area while observing Bali starlings. This popular tourist village also offers a camping ground that can be rented by visitors.

Blimbingsari is also known for its spiritual element and Balinese traditions are here acculturated into the lives of the villagers, who primarily adhere to the Christian faith. This aspect of the village has also become a tourist attraction and the iconic village church building features elements of Balinese architecture. Moreover, the rituals and methods of worship here reflect Balinese traditions, including the use of the traditional Balinese gamelan in order to provide a musical accompaniment during the services that are held in the church.

During the meeting, Mr. Made explained that the development of tourism in this village was being fully supported and assisted by both the village government and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes).

The villagers here are also highly skilled in the area of waste management. Indeed, as one enters the gateway to the village, one is immediately struck by how neat and clean it all looks. Waste is separated by every household and also sold through the local waste bank. Public awareness of the importance of sanitation is taught in the schools here, while religious leaders also play a role in relation to this issue through sermons that they deliver in the church.

During the study visit, KTH Papua discussed the village with the Head of Blimbingsari, who explained how the visitors could manage such a group, the support of the village for the group and the booking system for tour packages. One of the most interesting lessons learned during the visit was the sharing of results among the community, as well as the fact that retribution for the Bali Barat National Park and BUMDes is arranged through an application. This means that when tickets are ordered by guests, the relevant retribution is directly and transparently distributed to each of the parties concerned.

“I am very happy to have been involved in this activity and it has inspired and motivated me to develop ecotourism in Tablasupa. The village of Tablasupa has potential similar to that of the village that I visited in Bali, however, the management and awareness of the group in Tablasupa still need to be improved. Hopefully, with assistance from BBKSDA and FORCLIME, the ecotourism that is being developed in Tablasupa can improve in the future,” explained Orpa Kisiwaytouw from the Tablasupa Nature Lovers Group.

For more information, please contact:
Theodora F. Resubun, Advisor for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua Province
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua and West Papua Provinces