15 September 2025
Syafrijal S.Kom
USU lecturers conducted community service activities related to disaster mitigation and hospitality practices for the community and tourism operators in Timbang Jaya Village.
This activity took place at the Village Hall in Timbang Jaya Village, Bahorok District, Langkat Regency. This village was chosen because it is located in the Bukit Lawang tourist area, where the majority of residents depend on the Bukit Lawang tourism industry for their livelihood.
Furthermore, as is known, the Timbang Jaya Village community was also affected by the 2002 flash flood tragedy.
The lecturers on the community service team were Drs. Gustanto, M. Hum., and Koko Sujatmoko, SE. M.SI.
In his presentation, Gustanto reminded the community and tourism operators of the importance of understanding disaster mitigation, noting that Bukit Lawang tourism is a tourist area that relies heavily on natural resources.
"The Bukit Lawang tourist attraction's main attractions rely on the forest ecosystem and the unique endemic flora and fauna within it. Therefore, it is important for community and tourism operators to maintain the balance of nature," said Gustanto.
In practice, the community can implement mitigation measures by relying on the values of local wisdom inherent in their relationship with nature.
By upholding local wisdom related to their relationship with nature, the community can not only utilize natural resources sustainably but also maintain the balance of nature to minimize the occurrence of disasters.
"The local wisdom within the community not only protects the forest from the threat of destruction but also fosters community solidarity in social life, which will significantly impact the sustainability of tourism in Bukit Lawang," explained the Deputy Dean III of the Faculty of Vocational Studies at USU.
Meanwhile, Koko Sujatmoko added that mitigation measures needed in tourist areas are not only related to preserving the natural environment, which is a potential tourist attraction, but also relate to the community's social behavior in treating tourists.
"Tourists who come to a tourist area naturally want comfort without having to worry about unfriendly situations, such as harassment or mistreatment," added Koko Sujatmoko.
The event, which was also attended by Tengku Village Secretary Ade Irma, Hamlet IV Head Agus Salim, and students from the USU Travel and Tourism Business Department, received a warm welcome from the community.
"This kind of activity is very beneficial for us because it allows us to discuss tourism and broaden our knowledge, especially for those who work in the tourism sector," said one participant.
