Banyuwangi Regency turns historic water source into educational tourism site

Banyuwangi (ANTARA) - The Banyuwangi Regency Government in East Java is turning the area around its oldest and most historic spring into an alternative educational tourism site, while also introducing it to students and the public. The spring, which serves as one of the main water sources utilised by the Banyuwangi Regional Drinking Water Company (PUDAM) to supply clean water needs for the people of Banyuwangi City, is the Gedor Water Source in Gombengsari Village, Kalipuro Subdistrict. “We strongly support PUDAM in introducing this area to students and the public, and this also serves as a message to the younger generation that water sources must be well maintained along with their surrounding environment,” said Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani in Banyuwangi on Friday. The Gedor Water Source, built during the Dutch colonial era in 1926 and operational since 1927, continued the regent, will become an alternative educational tourism site, especially since this spring can be considered a form of cultural heritage. According to Ipuk, the oldest water source is located in the midst of a forest with tall and shady trees, yet not far from residents’ homes. “The atmosphere feels cool in this area, considering it is situated on the slopes of Mount Ijen,” she said. The Director of PUDAM Banyuwangi, Abdurrahman, stated that students can directly view this source, including its management, and visitors can also experience the freshness of the spring water after simple filtration. According to him, PUDAM Banyuwangi takes great care of the area, and the water management is done in a closed system to preserve the purity and clarity of the water until it is distributed to the public. Besides being rich in minerals, the Gedor Water Source has never dried up despite being nearly a century old. “The water is rich in minerals, making it healthy for the body, and this has been proven by laboratory tests from the district health laboratory,” said Abdurrahman. At the site, he said, children can learn how natural water is processed until it reaches their homes, and students can drink the pure spring water directly after filtration. “Here, students can see how the water from nature is channelled to residents’ homes, so it is hoped that awareness of protecting the environment will grow from an early age,” stated Abdurrahman. He added that students are also introduced to various types of plants around the Gedor Water Source, as the location is surrounded by fairly dense vegetation. Various types of plants are there, such as keluwek trees, guava, candlenut, and others.