Empowering Communities and Preserving Culture: CPR Students’ Journey in Malang

ELYSHA CHIN HONG

Peserta Maritime Nusantara & Sustainability

Policy Initiative Workshop

5-12 August 2025

In August 2025, I joined a program organized by Centre of Policy Research USM collaborating with Universitas Negeri Malang and Peneleh Research Institude. Thank you Dr Illis, Kak Ina, Kak El, Ibu Jo and other staff who take good care of us throughout the program. Spending eight days and seven nights in Malang, Indonesia was a truly enriching experience. As the second largest city in East Java, Malang has cool, refreshing weather which I love. What made this journey unforgettable was the opportunity to learn deeply about community based tourism and the unique identities of local communities.

One of the first places we visited was Soendari Batik, where we learned the art of batik making. Painting our own batik pieces gave us a hands-on appreciation for this cultural tradition and the patience and skill it requires. We not only colour it but also wax the drawing. In Kampung Warna Warni, we saw how creativity and community spirit transformed a poor neighborhood into a tourist attraction. The colorful houses not only brought joy to visitors but also created income opportunities for residents. It was inspiring to witness how tourism can empower communities when done thoughtfully. Another highlight was CMC Tiga Warna, where we learned about mangrove conservation. The community limits daily visitors to protect the ecosystem, and they continue planting efforts to restore the coastal environment. This showed us the importance of sustainable tourism. We also visited a local woman’s home where she shared her journey of starting a small business selling abon ikan tuna. Her story was a powerful example of resilience and entrepreneurship, especially in how she used her husband’s fishing work to create something of her own and make income for her family not just depending on her husband. The most exciting part of the trip was visiting Mount Bromo. It was my first time visiting a real volcano. Waking up at midnight to catch the sunrise was challenging, but the view was absolutely breathtaking. We chose to walk to the crater instead of riding a horse.

This trip to Malang showed how tourism can support the Sustainable Development Goals by helping reduce poverty, empower women, protect nature, and preserve culture. From land to beach to mountain, this journey through Malang was more than just sightseeing. Overall, this journey allowed me to experience the diversity of Malang. It was a meaningful learning experience.

#SDG1 – No Poverty

Visiting Kampung Warna Warni and local entrepreneurs showed how tourism and small businesses create income opportunities and help reduce poverty.

#SDG5 – Gender Equality

The woman running her tuna floss (abon ikan tuna) business highlights women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.

#SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Community-based tourism and small enterprises promote sustainable livelihoods and local economic growth.

#SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Kampung Warna Warni is an example of transforming a neighborhood sustainably, promoting inclusivity and cultural identity.

#SDG12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Learning batik making and supporting local crafts encourages sustainable production and cultural preservation.

#SDG13 – Climate Action (indirectly)

Mangrove conservation at CMC Tiga Warna contributes to coastal protection and climate resilience.

#SDG14 – Life Below Water

Mangrove restoration protects marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.

#SDG15 – Life on Land

Visiting Mount Bromo and understanding the natural environment emphasizes ecosystem preservation.