DIY Regional Government: Gunungkidul Has Potential to Develop Tourism and Leading Commodities

The Regional Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) assesses that Gunungkidul Regency has great potential to continue developing its tourism sector and superior commodities based on natural resources, while still prioritising sustainability principles in protected areas. DIY Regional Secretary Ni Made Dwipanti Indrayanti stated on Saturday that Gunungkidul has many geopark-based destinations that have the opportunity to be developed as tourist attractions. “Many geopark destinations have great potential to be developed,” she said. According to Made, most of Gunungkidul’s territory is a protected area, but the regional government together with the community has been able to develop various potentials without neglecting the conservation function of the area. She assessed that the soil nutrient conditions and climate in Gunungkidul also support the development of various leading commodities, one of which is cocoa, which has economic value as well as health benefits. “So, it is not only delicious to consume, chocolate can also help relax the mind and provide health benefits,” she said. Made revealed that in the past she often received complaints about the difficulty of developing the region’s potential because approximately 60 per cent of Gunungkidul’s territory is a protected area.