Yogyakarta studies river tourism management in Pacitan's Maron River

The Yogyakarta city government is studying river-based tourism management at Maron River in Pacitan Regency, East Java, particularly the boat technology considered suitable for application on shallow rivers in Yogyakarta.

Mayor of Yogyakarta Hasto Wardoyo and his delegation visited the Maron River Tourism Site in Dersono Village, Pringkuku District, Pacitan, on Thursday to observe first-hand the management of the destination known as ‘The Amazon of Java’.

‘We want to replicate Maron’s tourism activities, especially regarding the boats and their technology,’ said Hasto.

He said the tourist boat technology used at Maron River is interesting to study because its engine system can adjust to water depth.

‘So this boat is suitable for application on rivers in Yogyakarta which tend to be shallow,’ he said.

Hasto conveyed this interest to Pacitan Regent Indrata Nur Bayuaji while reviewing tourism activities at Maron River.

Pacitan Regent Indrata Nur Bayuaji said tourism is one of the sectors relied upon to support the regional economy, including through the development of Maron River tourism.

‘Pacitan’s tourism is complete; the famous ones are beaches and rivers, but there are also special interest tourism destinations,’ said Indrata.

Maron River was pioneered by the local community since 2012 and began operating as a tourism destination in 2014 through the management of a tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis).

Currently there are around 130 tourist boats at Maron River, all owned by local residents. The boats use various propulsion technologies, ranging from fuel oil and gas to electricity.