The role of village owned enterprises in the development and sustainability of the agrotourism sector (A case study of agrotourism in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java)

Abstract

Playing an important role in lifting the agricultural sector, agrotourism increases farmers’ income. Group involvement is required in this activity, particularly in its management such as Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes). This study aims to determine the role of BUMDes in the development of agrotourism in Karanganyar Regency. The research method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method by describing, explaining and answering in detail the problem to be studied. Ngargoyoso District was chosen deliberately as the research location because this district is an agrotourism center in Karanganyar Regency. Data collection was conducted through FGD, direct interviews as well as documentation and field observations. This study found that BUMDes have not played its role optimally in the development of agrotourism, because most of the agrotourism are privately owned. BUMDes strives to offer the concept of professional management but is still constrained by community trust. The village government provides support by providing funding assistance in the licensing process. The maintenance of tourist environment is an effort taken by community and tourism managers to maintain the cleanliness and comfort of tourist areas so that the community can carry out economic activities continuously and tourism sustainability can be achieved.