Community Empowerment through Geospatial Information-Based Participatory Mapping for Tourism Development in Kahyapu Village, North Bengkulu
Date: September 25, 2023
Kahyapu Village, North Bengkulu: In a remarkable community service endeavor, a team led by Akbar Abdurrahman Mahfudz, S.Si., M.Sc, along with Dr. Yar Johan, Ari Anggoro, S.Pi., M.Si, and dedicated student volunteers, embarked on a mission to empower the local community of Kahyapu Village, North Bengkulu, through Geospatial Information-Based Participatory Mapping. This innovative project aimed to enhance community involvement in tourism development and bolster their capacity in geospatial mapping.
The initiative unfolded in Kahyapu Village, located in the Pulau Enggano Subdistrict of North Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province. The project’s primary objective was to stimulate active community engagement in the tourism development process and to equip residents with the skills and tools for participatory geospatial mapping.
The project commenced with comprehensive interviews and field surveys to inventory public facilities and residential areas in Kahyapu Village. This data collection was instrumental in compiling a comprehensive database that will serve as the foundation for future tourism development in the village.
Preparation for the fieldwork included assembling essential equipment such as field survey maps, GPS devices, cameras, survey forms, and writing tools. To ensure the accuracy of data collection, a pre-field activity was conducted, offering brief training sessions on GPS usage and survey form completion.
The field surveys were carried out diligently over the course of three days. The first day focused on inventory and interviews at locations surrounding the Kahyapu Village port, encompassing public facilities and nearby residential areas. The second day shifted the focus to areas adjacent to the main access road, while the third day targeted locations further from the main road. Remarkably, this three-day effort resulted in the comprehensive documentation of nearly 200 buildings in Kahyapu Village, including both public facilities and residential areas.
A pivotal component of this community project was the informative session held at the Kahyapu Village Hall, where the gathered data was shared with the community. This event was meticulously organized, featuring printed maps of Kahyapu Village showcasing geospatial information. Representatives from the village administration, community leaders, fisherman associations, tourism groups, and the general public were invited to participate.
The primary aim of this session was to introduce the concept and advantages of using Geospatial Information-Based Participatory Mapping (GIS) to the village community. The presentation elucidated the fundamental principles of GIS, spatial data collection, and the manifold benefits of its application in inventorying public facilities and residential areas, particularly in the context of tourism development.
In conclusion, this community service initiative exemplifies the power of grassroots participation and technological innovation in fostering sustainable development. By arming the community of Kahyapu Village with geospatial knowledge and involving them in the tourism development process, this project not only empowers the local residents but also lays the groundwork for a brighter and more prosperous future for this scenic village in North Bengkulu.
