Malang, December 30, 2024 – Fathul Yadi, a mentor from the Smart Village Foundation, shared his views on the importance of community empowerment based on local potential. The Smart Village Foundation is an educational and training center for the development of tourist villages and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDesa) located in Pujon Kidul Village, Pujon Sub-district, Malang Regency.
"Every region has unique potential that can be developed into economically valuable products. Moreover, if managed well, this potential can become a source of additional income (second income)," said Fathul Yadi.
He further emphasized the importance of strong collaboration and synergy to support the success of empowerment programs. One effective step, he noted, is building educational tourism clusters based on local potential. This involves mapping the resources within the community, such as handicrafts, cultural arts, or natural beauty with economic appeal.
"The key to a successful empowerment program lies in community involvement in the process of identifying potential and joint management," he stated. With this approach, the community does not merely become the object of development but also an active participant contributing to the creation of economic value.
The Smart Village mentor also expressed his hopes for the younger generation, especially university students, to take part in sustainable community development efforts. With the spirit of collaboration and innovation, villages across Indonesia are expected to transform into centers of economic growth rooted in local wisdom.
"Community empowerment is not solely the government's responsibility but also a shared duty of all elements of society," concluded Fathul Yadi.
This approach to empowerment based on local potential is believed to be a strategic solution for achieving sustainable prosperity at the village level.
