Students from the Information Technology and Information Systems Study Programs at Wiraraja University, Sumenep, Madura, conducted a study exchange to Sambirejo Village, Sleman, Yogyakarta. This activity aimed to study the implementation of the "smart village" concept in a village that has been successful in applying digitalization of public services and developing tourism potential, especially at Tebing Breksi.
The visit was accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Wiraraja University, Cholilul Cahyati, S.T., M.T., along with the Head of the Information Technology Study Program, Arda Gusema Susilowati, M.Kom. In his remarks, Cholilul expressed hope that the visit would inspire students to develop potential in their hometowns, particularly in Sumenep.
�Through this visit, students are expected to learn many things, including the digitalization of public services implemented in Sambirejo. Hopefully, this will spark great ideas for mapping and developing potential in their respective environments,� said Cholilul.
Digitalization in Sambirejo: Transparency and Innovation
The Secretary of Sambirejo Village, Mujimin, S.Sos., explained that Sambirejo has developed various digital services that have had a significant impact on the community. One of them is the "Simpel Desa" program initiated by Telkomsel, which not only serves village administration but also supports a digital market by collaborating with BUMDes.
�Our target is to reach 1,000 residents from the total of 6,000 people through this digital service. Even the guest book for the community is now digitally documented, from the number of visitors to their needs,� explained Mujimin.
This digitalization, continued Mujimin, aims to improve transparency in village governance. With the help of digital applications, residents can monitor information, development programs, and the planning and execution of village budgets.
However, he emphasized that digital transformation is not a replacement for direct social communication. �Digital tools are just means to facilitate communication. We still maintain the social aspect and interactions in the community,� he added.
This visit provided new insights for Wiraraja University students regarding the implementation of technology at the village level, particularly in utilizing local potential for community welfare. Tebing Breksi, one of Sambirejo's flagship tourist destinations, also serves as a real example of how technology can support the development of the tourism sector.
It is hoped that this experience will be valuable for students to apply similar concepts in Sumenep, which has many natural and cultural potentials that have not yet been fully optimized.
