Societal Impact Program of SBM ITB, continues its commitment to inclusive community development through an immersive benchmarking initiative for BUMDes Ciroyom, located in the Cirata region of Purwakarta Regency. With strong potential in culinary tourism, freshwater-based products, local crafts, and reservoir recreation, the village is well-positioned for growth; however, it still faces many challenges in business governance, financial structuring, and sustainable tourism management.
To support these needs, SBM ITB conducted a two-day benchmarking visit to two thriving village-led tourism ecosystems: Ciburial Tourism Village (Garut) and Tanjung Duriat Tourism Area (Sumedang). These locations were chosen because of their established practices in professional tourism operations, transparent BUMDes governance, and community involvement.
Learning from Ciburial: Transformation Influenced by the Community
In Ciburial, the team learned how community involvement, organized BUMDes governance, and transparency in financial practices turned Sukalaksana Village from an underdeveloped village into a popular tourist destination. Their initiatives, ranging from PDAM Desa and UMKM centers to cultural festivals and agro-tourism, demonstrate how local identity, collaboration, and transparent processes can drive sustainable village transformation.
“Developing this village is more than just building tourism, it is a passion. Our strength comes from the people. When the community is empowered, everything grows naturally. Even small talents, like craft or fashion, can become something meaningful when managed with heart and collective commitment.”— Siti Julaiha, Ciburial Tourism Village
Insights from Tanjung Duriat: Modern and Professional Tourism Management
The visit to Tanjung Duriat offered a different but complementary perspective. Managed professionally by a private operator, the area has evolved into a vibrant reservoir-side destination renowned for its water tourism ecosystem, digital ticketing systems, social media-driven branding, and diverse event programming.
Participants learned about operational divisions, customer experience design, financial accountability, and the importance of consistent digital storytelling, elements that can guide Cirata in developing future tourism units around its reservoir landscape.
“Tourism has no meaning if it does not uplift the people living around it. That is why we prioritize hiring residents, supporting local businesses, and ensuring the community grows together with the destination.”— Management Representative, Tanjung Duriat Tourism Area
Strengthening BUMDes Ciroyom’s Direction
The combined lessons from both sites helped BUMDes Ciroyom clarify its long-term direction, including the development of:
- Culinary-based tourism highlights Cirata’s products
- A rest area with panoramic views of the PLTA
- Community-based cultural and seasonal events
- Structured BUMDes governance and transparent reporting1
- Partnerships with local UMKM and potential private collaborators
“Benchmarking opened our eyes to what is possible. We now understand how Cirata can grow into a sustainable tourism hub when supported by the right systems and shared commitment,” said a representative of BUMDes Ciroyom.
Toward a Sustainable Cirata Tourism Model
This benchmarking initiative lays the groundwork for a long-term development roadmap for BUMDes Ciroyom. By integrating lessons from both community-based and professionally managed tourism models, the team aims to co-develop a sustainable strategy that positions Cirata as a future reservoir-based destination. “This program reinforces the role of universities not only as centers of knowledge, but as catalysts for real social transformation through hands-on engagement at the village level,” Taufik added.
