Peran Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Pokdarwis) dalam Pemberdayaan Masyarakat melalui Pengembangan Desa Wisata Punden Rejo Kabupaten Deli Serdang

Abstract

This research aims to determine the role of the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) in community empowerment and community participation in the Punden Rejo Tourism Village, Tanjung Morawa District, Deli Serdang Regency. This research is important to carry out to provide readers with a better understanding and picture regarding the role of the Punden Rejo Village Pokdarwis in terms of community empowerment for tourism development to improve the community's economy. This research uses descriptive research methods with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques were carried out using interviews, observation, literature study and secondary data. This research was conducted in the Punden Rejo Tourism Village, Tanjung Morawa District, Deli Serdang Regency. The research informants consisted of the Deli Serdang Disbudporapar, Head of Administration (KASI) for Welfare and Services in Punden Rejo Village, Chair of the Punden Rejo Village Pokdarwis, Canteen Keeper at Punden Rejo Tourism Village, and tourists. The research results regarding the role of Pokdarwis in empowering the Punden Rejo Village community include indicators: 1) Facilitative Role: there are obstacles to community participation in the business world which has been provided by Pokdarwis. 2) Educational Role: Pokdarwis succeeded in inviting the community to keep the environment clean through mutual cooperation activities. 3) Representational Role: Pokdarwis seeks to find relationships to meet limited human, financial and facility resources in tourism development. 4) Technical Role: Pokdarwis still use personal cellphones to carry out their duties so they are not able to empower the technical abilities of the Punden Rejo Village community. Based on the research results above, the Punden Rejo Village Pokdarwis has not been able to empower the community because it still lacks human resources, budget and facilities. The success of sustainable tourism really depends on the role of the community in the process and is supported by community groups (Pokdarwis) as well as the Village Government and District Government.