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

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Regional Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) considers Gunungkidul Regency to have great potential to further develop its tourism sector and flagship commodities based on natural resources, while continuing to prioritise the principle of sustainability in protected areas.

Ni Made Dwipanti Indrayanti, Regional Secretary of DIY, said in Yogyakarta on Saturday that Gunungkidul has many geopark-based destinations with the potential to be developed as tourist attractions.

“There are many geopark destinations with great potential for development,” she said.

According to Made, most of Gunungkidul’s territory is protected land, yet the regional government together with local communities have been able to develop various potentials without neglecting the area’s conservation function.

She noted that soil nutrient conditions and the climate in Gunungkidul also support the development of various flagship commodities, one of which is cocoa, which has economic value as well as health benefits.

“So it is not only enjoyable 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 around 60 per cent of Gunungkidul’s territory consists of protected areas.