Surakarta, tekkom.ft.undip.ac.id – Vincent Gregory Ginting successfully led the program titled “Training and Digitalization of UMKM and Batik Tourism Location Mapping and History in Laweyan through Google Maps.” During this initiative, Vincent provided hands-on training to UMKM owners and tourism managers by visiting each location in Laweyan. The program aims to enhance the visibility of UMKM as well as batik tourism and historical sites in Laweyan through the utilization of digital technology.
Tom Festarandi, the Head of POKDARWIS and Chairman of LPMK, emphasized the importance of digitalization in fostering the growth of local tourism and economy. “This digitalization is a crucial step in integrating the cultural richness and economic potential, as well as the history of Laweyan as a Batik Village, into the modern era,” he stated.
During the training, Vincent introduced Google My Business as the primary platform for creating and verifying location pins on Google Maps. He provided a step-by-step guide on how to create a business profile, add location details, and manage information regularly. He also shared tips for making business profiles more appealing, such as using high-quality photos and informative descriptions. One participant, Pras, a batik house manager in Laweyan, expressed his enthusiasm: “This training has been very helpful. With the location pin on Google Maps, visitors can easily find us, and this will surely increase our foot traffic.”
The program is expected to serve as a starting point for UMKM and tourism destinations in Laweyan to gain more recognition among tourists, while also supporting the enhancement of the local economy through digital promotion. It is hoped that Laweyan can continue to evolve into a modern tourism destination while preserving local wisdom, serving as an example for other regions in combining digital technology with local cultural uniqueness to advance the tourism and economic sectors.
Reporter: Vincent Gregory Ginting