Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno Wants Jogja Breccia Cliffs To Be Known As World Heritage: This Is What We Must Protect

YOGYAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno wants the Breksi Cliff tourist destination in the Special Region (DI) of Yogyakarta which has been designated as a Geoheritage (Geological Heritage) by the local government to be known as a world heritage.

This is done by maximizing the potential of tourism and the creative economy so that it can have a broad economic impact on the community.

"This is something we must continue to protect, because we want it not only to become an Indonesian heritage but also to be recognized as a world heritage," said Sandi when visiting Breksi Cliffs in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, quoted by Antara, Friday, October 8.

During his visit, Sandi also established the Sambirejo Tourism Village (Dewi Sambi) as one of the 50 best tourist villages in the 2021 Indonesian Tourism Village Award (ADWI) event. Breksi Cliff is one of the mainstay destinations in Sambirejo Tourism Village, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency, In Yogyakarta

The tourist destination was once used by local residents as a source of economy by mining limestone areas in the area.

Entering 2014, through research, it was found that the rocks contained in the Breksi Cliff are rare types of rock so that the local government forbids mining activities.

Furthermore, the area was used as a tourist destination by sculpting the remains of mining with various forms of reliefs and sculptures from wayang stories. Breksi Cliff is also equipped with various other facilities and attractions, such as an open stage which is the location of various art events and certain performances.

Before the pandemic, tourist visits to that location reached 5-10 thousand per day with more than 400 workers from the surrounding community.

With that, the Breksi Cliff tourist destination can contribute to the Regional Original Income (PAD) of almost Rp. 100 million per year for Sambirejo Village.

"Hopefully this will be an inspiration for other tourist village friends to open up business opportunities and create jobs," said Sandi.

Sambirejo Tourism Village is said to have other tourist destinations, including Ijo Temple, Barong Temple, Gupolo Arca Site, and Watu Tapak. Also, there are cultural arts such as Prabata Siwi Dance, Sintren Dance, Creative Angklung Breksi Park, Jathilan, Ketoprak, and Karawitan.

Regarding creative and creative products, this tourist village has culinary products such as grass jelly made from processed toga plants, vegetable chips, and herbal drinks. As for fashion, there are creative actors who produce Batik Jumputan Eco Print.

"Our arrival at this time is also to do more in mapping the potential, opportunities, and challenges. Because, Dewi Sambi Tourism Village is included in the buffer area of the DSP (super priority destination) Borobudur, so it will get a lot of tourist visits," he said.

Minister Sandi also said that he would up-skill and re-skill the skills of tourism and creative economy actors, including digital marketing.