Charm of Sasirangan from Belangian Village

Production development

Belangian Village Head Aunul Khoir said development of Sasirangan cloth production in his village received quite high attention from various parties, especially from local and provincial government.

Not only for its preserving nature and tourism, but also for developing creative economy for the well-being of the village with its 340 people or 105 families.

The village government strongly supports the development and promotion of creative economy in Sasirangan fabric processing sector as part of efforts to advance tourism.

"Until we have something unique from our village as a souvenir for tourists," said Aunul.

Besides Sasirangan, Belangian Village also produces agriculture and plantation products, such as peanuts.

Peanut farming is fertile in Belangian, with abundant production making it popular souvenir for the Belangian Tourism Village.

"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), yesterday the provincial government in collaboration with banking institution provided training for our residents to develop the two sectors," said Aunul.

Aunul assured that Belangian is fully prepared to become national or even international tourist destination with all the potential it has, the beauty and uniqueness of it nature, forest, rivers, mountains and large trees as well as creative economy.

Belangian Village also applies managed cleanliness, friendly community and responsible security.

Read also: Tourism Office socializes Meratus Geopark in rural areas


Tourism awareness

Head of Belangian Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) Hendri Hidayat said the community feel the benefits of being a tourist village. Thus, tourism awarensss is continuously being built to make the village more attractive to tourists.

As a large number of tourists visiting, the village economy is booming; creative economy, plantation and agriculture, kioks, shipping, lodging, motorcycle taxis and tour guides.

Belangian has also prepared tour guides who are fluent in foreign languages.

Hidayat said that the most important thing of tourism awarenss to be applied is politeness. He said this is crucial, so that tourist feel comfortable and give them good lasting memories of Belangian.

"Even tour motorcycle taxi drivers are required to wear polite clothes and vests. They are not allowed to smoke while carrying passengers, must speak politely and civilly," Hidayat explained.

Belangian has several tourist attractions. In addtion to its village atmosphere and creative economy, there are destinations require considerable journey, such as Kahung tropical rainforest, and the "Benung Laki" (Duabanga Moluccana) large tree from Lythraceoa family.

Rivers with rocks flowing swiftly down from Meratus Mountains, waterfall and mountains.

Every week, many climbers and nature lovers come to the village. They spend the night and visiting those attractions.

"All tourist required to to maintain cleanliness and nature preservation, becasue it is ours," he said.