Kampung Heritage Kayutangan: Malang's Rising Tourist Gem

TIMESINDONESIA, MALANG – The charm of Kampung Heritage Kayutangan in Malang is becoming increasingly evident. After being recognized as one of the top five winners of the Indonesian Tourism Village Awards (Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia or ADWI) in 2023, this thematic tourist destination of Malang is now capturing the hearts of travelers.

Mila Kurniawati, Chairperson of the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) for Kampung Heritage Kayutangan, revealed that in the past two months, this heritage village has experienced a massive influx of tourists.

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Since June 2023, Kampung Heritage Kayutangan has welcomed approximately 15,000 tourists, marking a staggering 300 percent increase in visitor numbers compared to the period before the recent revitalization efforts.

"Since our participation in ADWI and a visit from Minister Sandiaga Uno, our visitor count has surged by 300 percent. Previously, we would receive around 2,000 to 5,000 visitors in a month, but for the past two months, we've seen 15,000 visitors each month," said Mila on Friday, (1/9/2023).

This remarkable increase in tourist footfall can be attributed to the efforts of the Malang City Government, particularly Mayor Sutiaji, who has been actively promoting Kayutangan Heritage both within and outside the region.

"He (Mayor Sutiaji) has monitored and visited us several times, providing valuable insights. Tourism and the creative economy have plenty of ideas for improvement," Mila added.

Furthermore, the positive impact of various events and activities along the Kayutangan Heritage corridor has significantly contributed to the success of Kampung Heritage Kayutangan.

Apart from instant promotion, the local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) in Kampung Heritage Kayutangan have also benefited from this surge in tourism.

"Many city events take place along the corridor. While they may not directly involve the village, it's part of a broader promotional effort," explained Mila. "The participation of Kayutangan residents is key, making it a more vibrant place with promotional opportunities."

At present, Kampung Heritage Kayutangan is home to approximately 240 UMKMs spanning various categories, including salons, crafts, fashion, and culinary businesses, with the latter dominating the scene.

With the increasing number of tourists, continuous improvement and development efforts are underway.

Mila acknowledged that there are still areas that require attention and enhancement, such as the delivery of public facilities through the Kotaku program, which is still in progress, with completion not yet at 100 percent.

"When it's handed over, we can immediately address any issues or maintenance needs," she remarked.

Security and comfort are also critical factors to ensure visitor satisfaction. Therefore, several suggestions will be implemented in the future to enhance the tourism experience in Kayutangan Heritage.

"For example, visiting hours and security measures. These are crucial points. In the future, we plan to establish a tourism police unit," Mila emphasized.

As the popularity of Kampung Heritage Kayutangan continues to soar, the community and local authorities are committed to preserving and enhancing this cultural gem, ensuring that it remains a captivating destination for tourists and a source of pride for the city of Malang. (*)

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