UGM and Jepara Regency Develop Technology-Based Tourism and Culture
Jepara (ANTARA) - The Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the GEOLIVE Research Team, is collaborating with the Jepara Regency Government in Central Java on the development of the tourism sector and the preservation of culture based on technology.
“This collaboration is part of the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education while strengthening the synergy between universities and local governments in supporting technology-based, cultural, and sustainable regional development,” said the Representative of the UGM GEOLIVE Research Team, Prof Tarcicius Yoyok Wahyu Subroto, in Jepara on Saturday.
The collaboration plan was conveyed to the Jepara Regency Government through a direct audience regarding the planned implementation of the community service programme (PKM) for 2026 in the Regent’s Office, on Friday (8/5). The Jepara Regency Government was represented by the Regional Secretary of Jepara, Ary Bachtiar, on behalf of Regent Witiarso Utomo.
GEOLIVE is a multidisciplinary research group under the Faculty of Engineering at UGM that operates in the fields of geospatial development, infrastructure engineering, and technological innovation to support sustainable development.
He explained that in the 2026 PKM programme, his team will implement two strategic programmes to support the tourism sector and cultural preservation in Jepara Regency.
The first programme involves preparing a master plan for the development of tourism attractions in the Bandengan Beach area, designed to become an integrated tourism destination based on nature, culture, and marine adventure tourism.
The planning document will be prepared through a scientific and spatial approach that includes analysis of the area’s potential, environmental carrying capacity, infrastructure connectivity, and sustainable tourism development scenarios.
The GEOLIVE team will also apply geospatial analysis, landscape modelling, and integration of eco-tourism and coastal tourism planning concepts to enhance the competitiveness of Bandengan Beach as a flagship destination in Jepara.
Meanwhile, the second programme focuses on developing an interactive three-dimensional model of the R.A. Kartini Museum in Jepara Regency as a platform for digitising cultural heritage based on technology.
The Head of the GEOLIVE Team, Bilal Ma’ruf, said that the utilisation of three-dimensional modelling technology, interactive visualisation, and digital twins is expected to present representations of cultural assets in a more modern and comprehensive manner.
“In addition to serving as a medium for education and tourism promotion, the digital platform is also expected to strengthen local cultural identity while increasing the interest of the younger generation in the history and cultural heritage of Jepara,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Jepara’s Regional Secretary, Ary Bachtiar, conveyed that the local government is also preparing a redesign of the Kartini Museum to resemble R.A. Kartini’s original residence.
The redesign, he said, includes restoring the function of several areas, such as the batik-making space and tennis court as they were in the past.