PLN Helps Develop Mudal River Park
Jakarta. The Ministry of Tourism praised the role state utility company PLN has played in developing the Mudal River Park in Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta, in a statement released on Tuesday (09/05).
Located in Jatimulyo village, 30 kilometers from the center of Yogyakarta, the park, with pristine streams and a waterfall, has been developed into an ecotourism destination.
"We were trying to develop the area while maintaining the natural water sources," Mudal River park manager Rudi Hastaryo said.
With limited funds, Rudi along with members of the local community worked on a road access to the park and tourist facilities such as bathing pools and bamboo bridges on the river.
PLN came to offer them help under its environmental development program.
They planted 1000 nutmeg trees and equipped the park with a camping ground, supplied clean water to neighboring households and built prayer rooms.
PLN Yogyakarta corporate social responsibility (CSR) supervisor Wildani Permana Dewi said the park was chosen as its partner because it needs to be transformed and preserved.
"Tourist arrivals will open business opportunities such as parking services, guide services, handicraft production, food catering and homestays," Wildani said.
According to the ministry's statement, last year PLN donated Rp 130 million ($ 9,748) to build facilities for orchid breeding, gazebos and new bridges. This year, the company donated Rp 150 million for further development thereof.
Rudi said the increase in the number of visitors has been huge.
"Earlier, we had an average of 30 people a day. Now, we have 500 visitors on weekdays and 3000 visitors on weekends."
Jatimulyo village head Anom Sucondro said tourism is greatly improving the village's economy.
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