Former IPB Security Guard Receives Doctoral Degree With Digital Village Dissertation

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DEPOK - Former IPB University Bogor Campus Security Guard Hudi Santoso won a doctorate degree through a dissertation entitled 'Digital Communication Model for Tourism Villages in Developing the Capacity of Tourism Actors in Bogor Regency'.

"I was a security guard for about four years at IPB. Exactly when the building was built for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine," Hudi said in his statement quoted by Antara, Tuesday, March 29.

He never thought he could study up to a doctoral program at a prestigious campus like IPB.

Hudi made a proud achievement after undergoing the Doctoral Promotion Open Session at IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Monday (28/3).

"I also had a taxi at the campus (IPB). From there I thought that if this continued, my life would be stagnant, nothing would change. Thank God, it was given convenience. Entered diploma, continued S1 at UNS Solo, then continued master to doctorate at IPB," Hudi said.

Regarding his dissertation, Hudi said that Bogor Regency has a very large tourism village potential. With 42 villages that have the potential to become tourist villages and 25 of them are already active as tourist villages.

It's just that, said Hudi, the management of this tourist village is not optimal, especially if you look at the potential it has.

He explained that tourism village managers should have the ability to access, manage, utilize various media app platforms to convey information, promote, and build the reputation of the managed tourist village.

"The managers of tourist villages have not been able to implement marketing communication practices. In fact, this is an important element for the development and sustainability of tourist villages that are able to bring in many tourist visits so that profits can be obtained optimally," he continued.

Hudi explained that marketing communication through social media is very important in developing a tourist village. Because the higher the use of social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Youtube, marketing communication is increasing in popularity.

Hudi's research used survey research methods to 166 respondents from 3,320 population of tourism village actors in Bogor Regency.

The research was conducted from March to June 2020 in four sub-districts, namely Pamijahan, Leuwiliang, Babakan Madang, and Tenjolaya.

Hudi, who is now a permanent lecturer at the IPB Vocational School, explained that the development of tourist villages in Bogor Regency requires the support of all stakeholders. Especially from the local government of Bogor Regency.

Local governments need to make priority policies such as conducting marketing communication training and the use of digital media, as well as facilitating capital to strengthen the entrepreneurship of tourism actors so that tourist villages can grow.

"In addition, tourism village actors in Bogor Regency need to open themselves up by actively seeking information in the media to improve facilities in tourist villages. Such as rides or interesting photo spots so that they can attract tourists," he said.