IPB University Student Innovation to Develop Curug Ibun Pelangi Tourism in Sukasari Kaler Village

Sukasari Kaler Village, located about three kilometers from the center of Argapura Subdistrict, Majalengka Regency, West Java, has extraordinary natural tourism potential, namely Curug Ibun Pelangi. The beauty of this waterfall, nicknamed Majalengka’s Green Canyon, is no less interesting than other natural attractions.

However, the tourism potential of Curug Ibun Pelangi has not been fully explored. Seeing this, students of IPB University’s Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture (KKNT) stationed in Sukasari Kaler Village were moved to take a role. They initiated an innovative work program called ‘Berlian’ or Branding and Andalan Tourism Information.

Berlian: An Effort to Increase the Attractiveness of Curug Ibun Pelangi
Salsabila Hana Afridhayanti, a student representative of KKNT Inovasi IPB University said, the Berlian program consists of two main activities. First, the creation of information boards or magazines that are placed in strategic areas.

“This information board is equipped with two main banners. The right banner contains tourist descriptions, interesting facts, location maps, available facilities, introduction of local products, and the best photo spots in Curug Ibun Pelangi,” she explained.

Meanwhile, she continued, the left banner is filled with photos of visitors and sticky notes containing messages, impressions, or hopes from visitors who have enjoyed the beauty of Curug Ibun Pelangi. This is expected to attract other visitors to come and experience an unforgettable tourist experience.

Second, socialization about the use of social media. This activity collaborated with KKNT students from Majalengka University (Unma) from Sukasari Kaler Village.

“IPB University students provide training on the use of TikTok and how to edit videos using the CapCut application. We explained the strategy of creating interesting content to increase the attractiveness of Curug Ibun Pelangi tourism through these platforms,” said Salsabila.

Meanwhile, Unma students focused on socializing the use of Instagram and managing the official Curug Ibun website. They also provide training on good gestures in receiving visitors, to improve the tourist experience and build a positive image of tourist attractions.

Cooperation and Collaboration
Salsabila said, the Berlian program is a real example of synergy and collaboration between students from two different universities. The involvement of IPB University and Unma students in this program shows their commitment to helping the development of Sukasari Kaler Village and increasing the tourist attractiveness of Curug Ibun Pelangi.

“With this program, it is hoped that Sukasari Kaler Village and Curug Ibun Pelangi can be increasingly known and visited by tourists, thus having a positive impact on the local economy and the welfare of the village community,” he hoped.

Positive Impact
According to Salsabila, Berlian program has had several positive impacts, including increased knowledge and skills of village communities in using social media to promote Curug Ibun Pelangi tourism. In addition, there has also been an increase in the number of visitors. The positive image of the village as a tourist destination has also increased.

“This program is a positive first step in developing Curug Ibun Pelangi tourism. It is hoped that this program can continue and develop in the future, by involving more related parties, such as the village government, tourism businesses, and the wider community,” she concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/NYS).