ESL FEM – Department of Resource and Environmental Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) IPB University held a winter course for foreign students.

One of the series of winter courses this time is a fieldtrip to PTPN VIII Gunung Mas, Cisarua, Bogor followed by students from India, Lithuania and also students from Indonesia.

On this occasion, participants were invited to learn about sustainable tourism (sustainable tourism) in terms of ecological and social aspects.

In other words, it provides profit for the tourism manager and also the surrounding community through community empowerment by not changing the local culture.

Chairperson of the Winter Course Committee, Dr. Meilanie Buitenzorgy said, PTPN VIII Gunung Mas was chosen as an excursion destination because it is a favorite tour in the city of Bogor so that it is considered attractive for foreign students visiting Bogor and understands the importance of sustainable agro-tourism management.

The IPB University lecturer also said, these students could become global agents that promote Indonesian tourism throughout the world.

“PTPN VIII Gunung Mas is an example of a State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) which is quite successful in running a tea plantation business as well as an agro-tourism business,” he said.

Through this activity, participants gained knowledge related to sustainable agro-tourism management as well as knowledge about the tea processing process from picking tea shoots to processing in the factory.

On the other hand, business diversification activities carried out by PTPN VIII Gunung Mas can be an example of Indonesia’s contribution, especially SOEs, in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely ending hunger, achieving better food and nutrition security and supporting sustainable agriculture.

“PTPN VIII Gunung Mas was originally set aside only for plantations and workers from the community around the plantation, then in 2009 agro-tourism was established, both for internal and external activities in the plantation area,” said Hikmat Eka Karyadi, Manager of PTPN VIII Gunung Mas Agro Tourism . (Ang / RA)