Empowered Youth of Desa Kemuning: A Success Story of Village Innovation and Leadership

Empowered Youth of Desa Kemuning: A Success Story of Village Innovation and Leadership

Desa Kemuning, located in Ngargoyoso Subdistrict of Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, is widely recognized for its breathtaking tea plantations and cool mountain air. But beyond its scenic beauty, Kemuning is emerging as a model village—thanks largely to its dynamic and forward-thinking youth. The village has become a symbol of how young people can drive sustainable development, build community pride, and earn national recognition through collective effort and innovation.

Youth as the Engine of Village Tourism

The transformation of Desa Kemuning began in 2014 when a group of young villagers decided to map and develop the village’s untapped tourism potential. Guided by the village head, Widyoko, and supported by local organizations, these youths created and managed a series of tourism initiatives under the umbrella of “Visit Kemuning.”

They introduced eco-tourism attractions such as river tubing, off-road jeep tours, trail adventures, paragliding, tea and coffee tours, and outbound education programs. These initiatives not only generated income for the community but also empowered the youth with skills in entrepreneurship, event management, digital marketing, and hospitality. The involvement of young people transformed the village into a lively, sustainable tourist destination that attracted both domestic and international visitors.

Collaboration with Universities: Bridging Education and Practice

The youth movement in Kemuning received a major boost from partnerships with higher education institutions. Through the national “Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka” (Freedom to Learn – Independent Campus) program, students from various universities came to Kemuning to work directly with the community.

Over a hundred young people, both local and visiting students, were trained to enhance the village’s tourism sector. They engaged in research, digital literacy training, tourism branding, and environmental conservation. This collaboration allowed Desa Kemuning to adopt a “Smart Village” concept—integrating technology, education, and sustainable business practices. More importantly, it created a platform for young minds to contribute to real-world solutions and innovation in rural development.

National Recognition: A Model for Other Villages

The hard work of Desa Kemuning’s youth was soon recognized on a national level. In 2021, Kemuning was named one of the Top 20 Finalists in the BCA Desa Wisata Award, a national competition that celebrates outstanding village tourism models across Indonesia.

This acknowledgment didn’t just highlight the success of the village, but also served as a testament to what young people can achieve when they are given leadership roles and support. The award placed Desa Kemuning on the map as a model for rural innovation and youth-driven development.

Smart Village Initiative with UMN

In its continued journey towards becoming a fully digital and innovative community, Desa Kemuning entered a collaboration with Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) in 2023. The partnership aimed to strengthen Kemuning’s status as a “Smart Village” by implementing data-based village governance, digital tourism platforms, and improved public service systems.

The village’s youth have played a central role in executing this vision. They have embraced new technologies, managed digital content, and led community engagement programs. Their adaptability and creativity have proven essential in ensuring that Desa Kemuning remains relevant in the digital age.

Conclusion: A New Chapter of Rural Empowerment

The story of Desa Kemuning is more than just a tourism success—it is a powerful example of youth empowerment. Through vision, cooperation, and persistence, the young people of Kemuning have transformed their home into a vibrant, sustainable, and nationally recognized village.

Their achievements inspire not only neighboring villages but also policymakers and educators across Indonesia. Desa Kemuning shows us that when youth are empowered and trusted with responsibility, they become agents of change—capable of turning even the most remote corners of the country into centers of innovation and pride.