Batu Seribu Need New Image

Natural Sightseeing Batu Seribu (Thousand Stone) Sukoharjo, Central Java, has not succeeded in becoming the main destination of tourists. Since it was built early 1990s, the tourist attraction located in the village of Gentan, Bulu District, has not been able to attract many visitors.

Minimal number of the Batu Seribu visitors looking at holiday Idul Fitri in 2009. According to the official ticket seller, Batu Seribu visited around 1500 people at Lebaran holidays. On ordinary days, only 50-60 people visited. As a result, Batu Seribu has not relied upon as a local revenue sources.

Batu Seribu local revenue sources potential backers. Batu Seribu value is the exotic natural beauty, because combining elegance mountains, valleys, forests, and spring. The beauty is more alive when associated with a legend or myth that is believed true by the local community, such as the story of Bandung Bondowoso, Umbul Pacinan, and Sendang Ayu.

But the beauty of Batu Seribu erased by poor maintenance. Many recreational facilities are rusted and broken. Several large trees uprooted blocking the road to Batu Seribu area. Freshness of the first source of water flowing nicely, now clogged with garbage.

Batu Seribu also minimal recreational facilities, especially the modern recreational facilities are appreciated by the public. In addition to natural, Batu Seribu now only rely on one swimming pool.

Sukoharjo District Government should immediately enhance Batu Seribu. The way to revitalize the recreational facilities and create new image, so Batu Seribu has strong appeal.

Nothing wrong with the manager again to identify and explore the unique potential of Batu Seribu. The uniqueness can be derived from elements of the beauty of mountains, valleys, forests, spring, or the myth that there is. The most unique elements to be as a mascot to build a new image, the image is able to reinforce the differentiation with other local attractions.

Then the managers add and improve recreational facilities that match the new image. All of these recreational faslitas course must be polished with a touch of beauty and art for the Batu Seribu cleanness guaranteed, so attractive and comfortable place to visit. (Awi Wiyono/Kompas, December 1,2009)