BANDUNG, JurnalPost.com – Mekarmaju Village, located in the Pasirjambu District of Bandung Regency, is renowned for its blacksmithing tradition, which has long been an integral part of local life. Artisans produce various items such as machetes (golok), hoes, and agricultural tools. This potential is now being developed into a tourism attraction rooted in local wisdom.
To support this development, the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Telkom University conducted a community service program in Mekarmaju Village on Thursday, 16 July 2026. The initiative focused on enhancing digital literacy, strengthening the capacity of tourism village managers, and optimizing community involvement in showcasing their blacksmithing heritage to the public.
A total of 20 participants attended the event, including village officials, members of the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), and local residents. The program was led by Dr. Putu Nina Madiawati, S.T., M.T., M.M., alongside team members Dr. R. Amalina Dewi Kumalasari, S.AB., M.AB., and Sherly Artadita, S.TP., MBA., MSM.
Photo: The FEB Telkom University community service team with the Head of Mekarmaju Village and participants of the capacity-building workshop for 'Golok Village' managers, Thursday (16/7/2026). (Author documentation)
Leveraging Digital Technology for Tourism Promotion
A primary focus of the program was introducing digital technology as a tool to promote Mekarmaju's tourism potential. Participants gained insights into using Google Maps, social media, and WhatsApp Business to disseminate information and streamline communication with prospective visitors.
Through Google Maps, the blacksmithing center is expected to become more accessible. Meanwhile, social media can be used to showcase products, document the forging process of machetes, and share stories about the lives and skills of the local artisans.
WhatsApp Business was also introduced as a communication channel to help managers provide information to potential visitors, including details on location, tourism activities, and available craft products.
This approach is intended to expand the reach of Mekarmaju's promotion without compromising the local character that serves as its main attraction.
The Head of Mekarmaju Village, Usep Bunyamin, expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the FEB Telkom University team. He noted that the involvement of higher education institutions through community service programs helps improve residents' knowledge and skills in capitalizing on village tourism development opportunities.
Fostering Collaboration Among Artisans and the Community
Beyond digital training, the team emphasized the importance of collaboration between the village government, the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), artisans, and the wider community in developing 'Golok Village' as a tourist destination.
Artisans play a crucial role as they hold the knowledge and skills required for the iron-forging process. This expertise not only yields economically valuable products but also preserves stories and traditions that offer compelling experiences for tourists.
Meanwhile, the community can contribute through documentation, content creation, information services, and other support activities based on their individual skills and readiness.
Photo: Dr. Putu Nina Madiawati presenting on the use of digital media to support the development of 'Golok Village' in Mekarmaju, Thursday (16/7/2026). (Author documentation)
Strengthening Digital Literacy and Development Planning
As part of the training series, participants completed a pre-test to identify their baseline understanding of tourism village concepts, digital literacy, community participation, and the role of the Tourism Awareness Group in managing tourism potential.
The results of this initial assessment were used to tailor the training materials to the specific needs of the participants.
The program also included discussions on drafting an action plan to guide the development of the tourism village. Through this planning, managers are expected to prioritize activities, delegate roles, and develop more targeted promotional strategies.
Strengthening human resource capacity is a vital aspect of tourism village development. Beyond having flagship products, the village requires skills in information management, communication, and coordination to ensure sustainable tourism growth.
Through this community service program, FEB Telkom University aims to support Mekarmaju in optimizing its blacksmithing tradition as both a tourism asset and a pillar of the local creative economy.
With the support of digital technology and active community involvement, the crafts of Mekarmaju are expected to be recognized not just as traditional tools, but as part of a local heritage rich in cultural, educational, and tourism value.
The development of 'Golok Village' is expected to open broader opportunities for the community to introduce their products and the stories behind their creation to tourists, while simultaneously strengthening the sustainability of the blacksmithing tradition that has long defined Mekarmaju.
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