The emergence of the Village Tourism and Geopark programs in Indonesia has sparked an increase in entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector. These programs aim to boost economic growth, eradicate poverty, address unemployment, preserve the environment and cultural heritage, and advance sustainable development goals. The Indonesian government, led by President Jokowi since 2016, introduced the Village Tourism concept, which focuses on developing villages as tourist destinations. In conjunction with this initiative, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the Geopark program, with Lake Toba receiving Geopark status in 2020. The combined effect of these programs has led to significant transformations in many villages, particularly those in the Caldera Toba Geopark area, with approximately 100 tourist villages emerging across eight districts.

These initiatives not only foster tourism but also stimulate the growth of new entrepreneurs in the MSME sector. The potential for generating resilient MSMEs in tourist villages, especially around Lake Toba, is considerable. Furthermore, the government's prioritization of tourism and the creative economy underscores the importance of these sectors in national development. Through the development of village tourism and geoparks, there is an opportunity to empower local communities, particularly women and youth, by providing them with economic opportunities and preserving cultural heritage. However, several challenges hinder the full realization of these goals, including issues related to access to finance, human resource development, technology, internet connectivity, market access, and high logistics costs. To address these challenges, policy recommendations include expanding access to financial services, providing training and capacity building for entrepreneurs, improving internet infrastructure, and reducing logistics costs. These measures are crucial for unlocking the full potential of village tourism and geoparks, fostering economic development, and empowering local communities while preserving cultural and natural heritage.

Source: https://www.ninna.id/desa-wisata-dan-geopark-lahirkan-umkm-di-danau-toba/