Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta, in collaboration with the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, along with other key stakeholders, launched a program to develop the Margomarem region in Wonosobo as a National Agro-Geotourism destination through the 2024 Kedaireka Kemdiktisaintek funding initiative.
The primary goal of this program is to connect Maron, Larangan Lor, Mlandi, Tlogo, and Menjer villages around the Dieng region as a sustainable tourism hub. Led by Umar El Izzudin Kiat, S.Si., MPWK, along with a team of faculty and students from the Management and Geography departments, the program has involved training and supporting the Margomarem community over four months. Key initiatives include creating tour packages, developing agro-industrial projects, and providing training in management and hospitality.
In the final event, the book Ensiklopedia Kawasan Perdesaan Margomarem, authored by UMS students, was launched, marking the closing of the 2024 Kedaireka Matching Fund Program. Additionally, a discussion on regional development and a five-year action plan was held, attended by Dewi Yuliani, Director General of Technical Planning at the Ministry of Villages. She expressed appreciation for the significant potential that this region holds.
It is hoped that, with strong synergy among all stakeholders, Margomarem will become a National Priority Rural Area in the RPJMN 2025-2030, elevating Wonosobo’s tourism potential to a national level.