Once considered a dry and overlooked area, Nglanggeran has now become a global model of community-based tourism. UNY students taking part in the Eurasia Lecturer Series on Community Empowerment recently visited this award-winning village through a field excursion to the Ancient Volcano of Nglanggeran, witnessing firsthand the inspiring transformation.
The highlight of the visit was a session with Sugeng Handoko, the local leader behind the village's success story. He shared how the people of Nglanggeran turned their limitations into strength through innovation and collaboration. Their efforts led the village to earn the Best Tourism Village title from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2021.
Students explored key local sites, including Embung Nglanggeran, the ancient volcano geotrail, and Griya Coklat—the village’s cocoa processing center that has become a symbol of its economic revival. The activities were designed to give participants a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism rooted in local culture and resources.
What makes Nglanggeran unique isn’t just its landscape, but its inclusive social structure. The community practices collective ownership, supports women's economic participation, and upholds values of togetherness—ensuring no one is left behind in its development journey.
This excursion left students with more than just knowledge—it was a reflection on how real empowerment comes through shared effort and belief. Nglanggeran stands as a living example of how sustainable development goals—especially poverty reduction and gender equality—can be achieved through community unity and purpose.
