TIMES MALANG, MALANG – Tourism potential in Malang is always expanding and growing. Currently, there is a new tourist attraction that attracts the travelers’ attention, Sumber Air Tanaka. It is located in Bangelan Village, Wonosari in Malang. It is a form of synergy between the local village government and the local youth organization (Karang Taruna). 

This new tourist attraction was inspected by the Vice Regent of Malang, Didik Gatot Subroto in the event of Jelajah Desa Wisata last week. The Vice Regent of Malang, Didik Gatot Subroto, said that Bangelan Village had an extraordinary nature tourism potential, including Sumber Air Tanaka. 

“The locals in Tanaka were coming from Singosari sub-district,” said Didik Gatot Subroto. In addition to that, he also stated that every village in this sub-district has their own tourism village program.

The potential of Sumber Air Tanaka, the Japanese-style tourist attraction in Malang. (PHOTO: AKD Malang)

The Village Head has organized the local youth organization (Karang Taruna), Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) and PTPN 12 in developing the tourism program. 

“The domino effect of the tourism village gives a huge impact to the local’s economy. It is also aimed to reduce urbanisation. The locals of Bangelan Village should be grateful as they are already blessed with such a beautiful nature so that they can build a tourism village,” he stated. 

The Village Head of Bangelan, Budiono, also stated that they have been selling the indigenous coffee of Bangelan since 2020 at the main gate of the village. It is designed for the sake of the village’s development by synergizing the village’s visions and missions. 

“We manage our natural resources and human resources. We also optimize the tourism sector to be more innovative,” he added. 

According to him, Sumber Air Tanaka was established in Arjumulyo Village. It was initiated by the local youth organization, which then introduced Sumber Air Tanaka as the tourist attraction in the village. 

“There are around 80 youths working in Sumber Mata Air Tanaka. They can earn their own income without working in the city.” he stated. 

Furthermore, Bangelan Village will be improving their gardens to be tourist attractions. 

The Village Head of Arjomulyo, Samu’in, said that the locals in Tanaka were coming from Singosari. Based on its history, Singosari was turned into an airport in 1942. That’s why, Mr. Tanaka wanted the locals to move. 

The Vice Regent of Malang, Didik Gatot Subroto is inspecting Bangelan Village. (PHOTO: AKD Malang)

“The village’s name, Tanaka, was named after Mr. Tanaka, the owner of the land,” he explained. 

The development of Tanaka, the tourist attraction, is the result of the partnership between the Village Heads, local youth organizations, the public figure, and the Village Consultative Body (BPD). It all started with building a swimming pool in the village. 

The visitors coming into Sumber Air Tanaka are coming from several cities, such as Madura, Surabaya, Jogjakarta, Mojokerto, Batu, Sidoarjo, and Malang. Usually on Saturdays and Sundays, it can reach up to 1,500 visitors. The high number of visitors contributes to the local’s economy. 

Sumber Air Tanaka is famous for its Japanese style. There are replicas of cherry blossom trees around the river, Japanese-style gates and buildings. Besides, the water is crystal-clear. 

There are some tables and chairs provided for those who want to take a rest while enjoying the beauty of the river and the mini waterfall, or to have some lunch. With all of these facilities and beauty, Sumber Air Tanaka is definitely a worth-visiting tourist attraction! (*)