Peran Mahasiswa KKN STIM Lasharan Jaya dalam Mewujudkan Desa Wisata Agro melalui Pembangunan Ikon Desa Bontomarannu

Abstract

Bontomarannu Village, located in Uluere District, Bantaeng Regency, has significant potential to be developed into an agro-tourism destination due to its cool climate and fertile volcanic soil, which support horticultural farming. The village has long been a hub for producing high-quality vegetables, such as chili, tomatoes, and potatoes. This study examines the role of STIM Lasharan Jaya KKN students in developing a village icon as a promotional strategy for community-based tourism and local empowerment. Through a participatory approach, the students and the village community collaboratively designed and constructed an icon reflecting the village's unique identity. The icon, consisting of large letters spelling "Bontomarannu," serves as a visual landmark and symbol of local identity. The results demonstrate that the icon not only functions as a striking visual attraction but also attracts visitors, creates new economic opportunities, and strengthens the community’s sense of ownership and pride. In addition to promoting agro-tourism potential, the project enhanced cross-sector collaboration between the community, students, and local government. This study underscores the importance of participatory and sustainable approaches in developing agro-tourism villages, which can provide long-term economic, social, and cultural benefits for the local community