Bambang Surya Atmaja, Cipeuteuy Waterfall Tourism Activator
Bambang Surya Atmaja makes the Cipeuteuy Waterfall tourist attraction in Majalengka busy with environmentally friendly infrastructure.
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Bambang Surya Atmaja (32) has migrated to a number of cities and abroad. He became a creditor and non-procedural migrant worker. This young man finally returned to his hometown to develop tourism Cipeuteuy Waterfall in Bantaragung, Majalengka Regency, West Java.
A number of tourists were relaxing in the gazebo around Curug Cipeuteuy that afternoon, Monday (22/4/2024). Some were soaking in the pool near the 12-meter waterfall. There were also those taking photos on the bridge with a background of pine trees or picnicking in the available areas.
I design everything on the computer. I am self-taught.
Not far from the waterfall, there is a prayer room, bathroom and food stall. Everything is neatly arranged, not chaotic like an impromptu market on the side of the highway. Apart from enjoying the cold waterfall, tourists can also walk the trekking trail or camp in the camping ground area.
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Several facilities in the tourist destination were designed by Bambang, the manager of Curug Cipeuteuy for development. A graduate of a tsanawiyah school or equivalent to junior high school, he has no background in technical education such as architecture or taking similar lessons.
"Everything I design on the computer. I learned it self-taught," said Ibenk, his nickname. The situation required him to understand about architecture design. Because, the development of the waterfall that began in 2009 was community-initiated. They contributed money, energy, and expertise.
At that time, his father, Sukyadi, and a number of residents who were part of the Gunung Ciremai Tourism Society (MPGC) initiated the development of Curug Cipeuteuy. Together with the Mount Ciremai National Park Office, they transformed the undergrowth into a waterfall tourist destination.
Cipeuteuy's nature is good, but the facilities are lacking. Finally, I tried to design drawings for the construction of facilities.
The development of tourism at the foot of the highest mountain in West Java is inseparable from Ciremai's designation as a national park. As a consequence, residents are no longer allowed to plant or take anything from the mountain, which is 3,078 meters above sea level.
Curug Cipeuteuy itself is included in the utilization zone for tourism. Upon hearing this, Ibenk did not extend his work contract at a goat farm in Malaysia. This Indonesian migrant worker chose to return home and help develop the tourist destination.
"Cipeuteuy's natural environment is already good, but its facilities are lacking. So, I tried to design some facilities," he said. Without pay, he designed several infrastructures in the area. His only capital was practicing design on the laptop that he bought from working abroad.
Nevertheless, due to budget limitations, the development of the destination has not been maximized. Access to the area at 700 meters above sea level is still narrow and damaged. Ibenk's plan to build several facilities in the area is also delayed. On the other hand, he received a job offer.
"I had traveled again in 2013. I worked on installing electric poles in Cianjur, Sukabumi, and Bandung," he said. In 2014, Ibenk returned to Malaysia to seek income. However, this time, he entered the neighboring country not with a migrant worker passport.
"I entered (illegally). During the eight months there, I changed jobs five times. In tourism places, iron factories, restaurants. It didn't feel good, it wasn't peaceful," he recalled. Every time he walked he worried about being suddenly caught for breaking the rules for staying there.
Chased by police
Ibenk experiences the difficulties of living in a foreign country. He was once chased by local police and detained in the agent's house for overseas workers. "Even eating was only once a day. Meanwhile, the agent has cut (my salary) since the beginning of work," he said while shaking his head.
He finally decided to return to his homeland through a "rat" route that connects Kalimantan and Malaysia. Ibenk briefly stayed at his family's home in Karawang, West Java, before heading to Majalengka. In 2014, he confirmed his determination to develop village tourism.
Not only nature, it also provides options for residents, especially young people, to utilize the village's potential.
This time, Ibenk is working on various tasks. From guarding the ticket booth, parking, draining the pond, to designing gazebos and selfie spots. He is also actively encouraging young people to help in the development of Curug Cipeuteuy. "From there, more visitors started to come," he said.
Ibenk is the one who initiated the concept of outbound and camping activities in his village. Initially, he said, there were doubts about his idea. However, after implementation, the results were quite satisfying. School groups and several companies enjoyed the new facility.
Currently, it is said that an average of 2,000-3,000 people visit the destination every month. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the number could reach 4,000 tourists per month. With a ticket price of Rp 15,000 per person, the potential revenue could reach Rp 45 million per month.
This excludes parking costs. In addition to tourism operations, the funds are also used to assist Quranic teachers, mosques, and the needs of the community. Curug Cipeuteuy also contributes to the village's income and non-tax state revenue (PNBP).
More than that, Ibenk plays a role in saving the environment. "Every year, we also plant 500 to 1,000 seeds of endemic Ciremai plants. "The planting is in critical areas," he said. Trees such as picung (Pangium edule) and laurel (Syzygium polyanthum).
Not only nature, it also provides options for residents, especially young people, to take advantage of the village's potential. Ibenk doesn't want the next generation in Bantaragung to migrate to cities or even overseas, which entails greater risks. Experience has taught him this.
Mortgagee
When he was still a teenager, Ibenk already migrated to Bandung to become a clothing credit collector. In his teens, he had become a credit collector. "Education at that time was not considered very important. High school was not common. The majority of children were already working after junior high. That's just how it was," he said.
Now, with the development of Curug Cipeuteuy, young people have the option to create in the village. Around 30 people work at the destination. Even during Eid al-Fitr holiday, the number can increase up to 80 people.
Ibenk also diligently "poisoned" the youth to survive in the village. "To do this, I'll look at this," said the father of one child while showing the design of the accommodation that will be built around the waterfall.
The plan caught Maman's (29) attention. This young man lost his job due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The cafe where he earned a living in Bogor, West Java, had temporarily closed and laid off employees. He then returned to his hometown and worked in Curug Cipeuteuy.
Maman decided to work at a local shop. "I was asked to go back there. However, I still want to be in the village. Even though the income is not as big as in Bogor, it is good here. "Close to family, no worries about living in a dorm," said this vocational high school graduate.
Moreover, Cipeuteuy Waterfall has triggered the birth of other tourist destinations in Bantaragung. There is Awilega Camping Ground at an altitude of 150 meters above sea level, Batu Semar Hill, and most recently Ciboer Pass which offers a panoramic view of rice terraceslike in Ubud, Bali.
Due to his contributions, Ibenk received an award from the Governor of West Java as a Pioneer of Natural Resources and Environment at the Provincial level in 2019. In the same year, he also received an award as a Great Youth of the Year 2019 from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
After a decade of work, Ibenk admitted that he felt tired as a tourism driver in his village. However, he was determined to continue developing the village. Moreover, the West Java Kertajati International Airport and airport city (aerocity), about 55 km from Bantaragung, are already established.
"If we stop (working) here, it would be a pity. The infrastructure outside already exists. We can't lose to internal problems. We must stay motivated," he said.
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Bambang Surya Atmaja
Born: Majalengka, 13 July 1991
Wife: Sinta Amelia
Children: Prince Cakrabuana
Education:
- Bantaragung State Elementary School, Majalengka
- MTs Siti Khadijah, Majalengka