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Poverty rate in Gunungkidul decreases as tourism rises
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The orange-colored field in Patuk district, Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta drew tourists of all ages, even up to seven tour buses daily during the blooming period in November 2015. (Tribun Jogja/Hamim Thohari)
T
he involvement of the locals in developing the tourism sector in Gunungkidul regency in Yogyakarta has decreased the poverty rate in the area.
“With more tourist attractions being managed by the locals, it creates a multiple effect for the economy as the locals earn direct income from the tourism sector,” told Gunungkidul Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Sumarwiyanto.
Currently there are 30 Tourism Awareness Communities (Pokdarwis) who reportedly received direct income from the tourism sector.
Data from BPS shows that in 2016 the poverty rate in Gunungkidul was 19.34 percent, down by 2.3 percent from the rate in 2015 that reached 21.73 percent.
The declining rate is said to be the most significant in Yogyakarta. In 2015, Gunungkidul had the highest poverty rate in Yogyakarta.
The poverty rates in other areas in Yogyakarta are also declining, but Gunungkidul is the most significant one.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said that tourism is the easiest and cheapest sector. The investment will result in 170 percent of multiple effect whilst the budget for promotion only takes two percent.
Gunungkidul has a number of tourist attractions namely Pindul Cave, Kalisuci, Jomblang Cave, Sri Gethuk Waterfall, Nglanggeran primeval volcano and dozens of beautiful beaches. (kes)
