Morowali Government and PT Vale Develop Community-Based Tourism in Unsongi Village
The Regional Government of Morowali, Central Sulawesi, together with PT Vale Indonesia Tbk, is preparing the community-based Unsongi Tourism Village in Bungku Timur District.
“The Unsongi Tourism Village programme adopts a community-based tourism concept, where tourism management places the community as the main actors in the development and management of the destination,” said Salwa, Community Development Officer for the Indonesia Growth Project Morowali, in Morowali Regency on Tuesday.
She explained that through this approach, the community is not only a beneficiary but also the main actor who manages, develops and safeguards the sustainability of the tourism area.
The development of the tourism village includes destination arrangement, capacity building for managers through tour guide training and homestay management, as well as strengthening the promotion of local MSME products such as woven fabrics and village culinary specialities as part of the tourism experience offered to visitors.
She said that through this approach, village development is directed not only at increasing community economic growth but also at ensuring the sustainability of resources and environmental quality for future generations.
In addition, Unsongi Tourism Village is also preparing a waste management education booth targeting residents, students and visitors. This step is taken as a form of anticipation of increased community activity and tourist visits that could potentially add to waste volume.
According to her, Unsongi Village was selected as a tourism village development location because it has natural and cultural potential that can be developed sustainably.
The still pristine natural landscape, the preserved local weaving tradition, and various cultural wisdoms that remain intact to this day are attractions that can be developed as a community-based tourism destination.
“The development of this tourism village is expected to provide direct economic benefits for the local community,” she said.
The launch of Unsongi Tourism Village not only marks the presence of a new tourism destination in Morowali Regency but also reflects a shared commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable development.
The regional government plays a role in providing policy support and strengthening the tourism sector, while the village government serves as the driving force at the local level.
Meanwhile, PT Vale provides support through community empowerment programmes, capacity building and ongoing mentoring.
She said Unsongi Tourism Village is a concrete example of collaboration becoming a driver of development that provides broad benefits for the community.
“Collaboration is the key to creating a competitive, sustainable tourism destination capable of delivering long-term economic benefits for the community,” she added.