ECO RANU AGUNG HERITAGE: OPTIMIZING VILLAGE HISTORICAL LITERACY THROUGH THE DIGITALIZATION OF ARTIFACTS AS AN ICON OF EDUCATIONAL TOURISM

Abstract

Ranu Agung Village possesses a rich combination of historical, cultural, and natural resources with significant potential to be developed as a heritage-based educational tourism destination. However, these potentials have not yet been systematically documented nor optimally utilized as learning resources and instruments for strengthening local identity. This activity aims to explore, document, and highlight the local historical potential of Ranu Agung Village as an effort to enhance community historical literacy and to support the development of heritage-based educational tourism. The method employed in this activity is a descriptive qualitative approach within the framework of community engagement. Data collection techniques include field surveys, direct observation, in-depth interviews and podcast recordings with community leaders, as well as literature studies based on research conducted by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), particularly archaeological studies from the Yogyakarta Archaeology Center. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation by comparing field data, oral histories, and scientific references. The results indicate that Ranu Agung Village has multilayered historical wealth, including the distribution of bujuk sites across various hamlets, discoveries of prehistoric artifacts such as Neolithic stone axes, pottery fragments, ancient beads, punden structures, unique stones indicating megalithic traditions, the legends of Dewi Rengganis and Joko Tarop as intangible cultural heritage, and the existence of a cave beneath Ranu Agung Lake. These findings demonstrate strong potential to be developed as educational tourism materials based on history and culture. This activity concludes that the exploration of local history integrated with scientific approaches and digitalization can serve as an effective strategy to enhance community historical literacy, strengthen village identity, and support the sustainable development of heritage-based educational tourism in Ranu Agung Village.