TIMES JAZIRAH, MAGELANG – In the heart of Karangrejo Village, Borobudur Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, lies what locals fondly refer to as "Professor Balkondes" or the Professor of Village Economic Center. This title is bestowed upon Muhammad Hely Rofikun, the Village Head of Karangrejo, following extensive discussions.

Balkondes is equipped with a restaurant offering both traditional and modern menus and 20 homestay units. This place has become a benchmark for study tours from numerous regions across Indonesia.

Noteworthy figures like Vice President KH. Ma'ruf Amin and several ministers have graced this establishment, managed by the Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) since 2017, reaping annual profits in the hundreds of millions of rupiah. Since it firtsopening, this place has become a prominent tourists' destination, from the country public figures to the local community. 

"Praise the Lord, every weekend, many tourists choose to spend their holidays at Balkondes Karangrejo. We have a great occupancy either for those integrated with local homes ot those homestay we provide," said Muhammad Hely Rofikun, the Village Head of Karangrejo on Friday (8/3/2024).

Rofikun recounts the village's reliance on rice fields and small-scale vending around Borobudur Temple before the establishment of Balkondes in early 2017. With a background from Tebuireng alumni, precisely from the Pesantren Walisongo Putra Cukir in Jombang, East Java, he conceived the idea of creating Balkondes, inspired by neighboring villages.

Hely Rofikun (right far) sitting comfortablyon while enjoying his coffee at Balkondes Karangrejo. (Photo: A Riyadi/TIMES Indonesia)

To turn his vision into reality, Rofikun willingly allocated his curved land for Balkondes construction. Despite the land being a source of income as the village head, he selflessly chose not to cultivate it.

"After our proposal was approved by a state-owned company (PT PGN Tbk.) tasked with constructing Balkondes, I conveyed to the residents and officials that there's no need to rent the space. I was willing for it to be used as a model," explained Rofikun.

The Balkondes Karangrejo structure emerged, with Rofikun overseeing the management entrusted to the Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes). This approach allowed the management to independently innovate and develop services within Balkondes Karangrejo. "In Balkondes, there's a restaurant offering a variety of culinary delights, both food and beverages," added Rofikun.

To ensure the local community quickly reaped the benefits of Balkondes, Rofikun mandated the BUMDes management to empower the surrounding residents. "So, 90 percent of those working here are from Karangrejo Village," Rofikun affirmed.

Apart from Balkondes, the village boasts homestays located in close proximity. Currently, Balkondes Karangrejo offers 20 units of various types of rooms.

"It's certain that homestays are always full during weekends and long holidays," Rofikun remarked. He mentioned that the annual profit has reached hundreds of millions of rupiah.

Considering the high demand from tourists wanting to stay in Balkondes Karangrejo's homestays, Rofikun encouraged residents to construct hotel-standard rooms within their homes. The idea of creating visitor-specific rooms integrated with local homes appealed to urban tourists seeking the village ambiance.The BUMDes and Village Government  has even agreed to assist them in securing external funding for the  construction.

"And the idea has proven to have positive economic impacts on the residents. During extended holidays, such as school breaks, Eid, Christmas, New Year, and other holiday seasons, the homestays are always fully booked. In fact, many tourists cannot find rooms because they were booked in advance," explained Rofikun.

In addition to Balkondes and homestays, Karangrejo Village boasts upscale restaurants and cafes with a modern concept, like Truntum Gasblock. However, this European cuisine-serving establishment is privately managed in collaboration with BUMDes Karangrejo.

"Truntum Gasblock uses the curved land. It's a collaborative concept," he clarified. Despite being private, most employees at Truntum Gasblock are local residents. Moreover, Karangrejo Village has a hillside tourist attraction named Punthuk Setumbu.

"Punthuk Setumbu is a favorite location for tourists. Here, we can see Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu, and Borobudur Temple, especially during the morning and evening," Rofikun shared.

To enhance tourist visits, the village has organized musical events such as BalkonJazz. The first edition garnered immense interest from jazz enthusiasts, not just from Central Java, but also from Yogyakarta, East Java, West Java, Jakarta, and beyond.

"During BalkonJazz, homestays in Karangrejo Village and neighboring villages are fully occupied. The residents truly benefit. Some sell souvenirs, food, shirts, and so on," he revealed.

The nice cozy ambiance at one of the Balkondes homestay room. (Photo: A Riyadi/TIMES Indonesia)

To optimize tourist visits, Rofikun is open to anyone wishing to organize events in Karangrejo Village. In support of Balkondes Karangrejo and homestays, the village has established suitable venues and ample parking spaces for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers. The road leading to Balkondes and homestays is well-paved.

"We are open to anyone who wants to organize events or activities in Balkondes Karangrejo; we will support. Homestays owned by residents can also be occupied for accommodation," he stated.

A visitor from Jakarta, Doni, expressed delight in the rural atmosphere surrounding Balkondes Karangrejo, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java. According to him, the village government, Balkondes management, and homestay operators must consistently preserve the natural purity of the surroundings.

"Those of us from the city appreciate the rural atmosphere like this. The serene natural environment. The children are also happy because the weather is cool, free from noisy vehicles. Our holidays become more enjoyable," Doni, who works in a private construction company in Jakarta, emphasized.

Asked about the key to the successful development of Balkondes Karangrejo, Hely Rofikun cited community support as the cornerstone. Their unity serves as positive energy for developing attractive tourist facilities, drawing newcomers and boosting the local economy.

"Now, we are in the design phase and planning to add more homestay buildings," said Hely Rofikun, the Proofessor of Balkondes Karangrejo, Borobudur, Magelang. (*)