GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Temesi Waterfall, a community-managed tourism destination in Temesi Village, Gianyar, marked its second anniversary on Sunday (8/2), highlighting two years of locally driven development that has begun delivering tangible benefits to residents.
The anniversary celebration was held at the Temesi Waterfall site and included the inauguration of the village Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) management, the formal establishment of the Temesi Village Communication Forum, and the distribution of revenue shares to 13 stakeholder groups involved in managing the attraction. The event also featured the handover of drum band equipment to kindergarten students, reflecting the village’s focus on youth development.
Temesi Village head Ketut Branayoga said the creation of Temesi Waterfall was far from an easy process. In its early stages, many doubted the village’s ability to independently manage a tourism destination. However, collective effort and strong community commitment proved decisive.
“At the beginning, we didn’t even have funding from the village budget. Everything started from voluntary contributions and fundraising, which raised around IDR 50 million. Through mutual cooperation, we opened basic access to the waterfall, and the process grew from there,” Branayoga said.
As the project progressed, the Temesi Village Government began allocating funds through three phases of the village budget, totaling approximately IDR 425 million. The funds were used to improve access roads, construct buildings, and develop essential tourism facilities. By its second anniversary, Temesi Waterfall had generated around IDR 70 million in revenue.
The income was symbolically distributed to 13 beneficiary groups, including three subak (traditional irrigation associations), four landowners, representatives from the Temesi–Pegesangan–Peteluan area, the village-owned enterprise (BUMDes), and a village reserve fund.
“This ensures the benefits of the waterfall are shared fairly. Each month, the 13 parties receive their respective shares based on an agreed allocation,” Branayoga explained.
Looking ahead, Temesi Waterfall is set to serve as a pilot project for village-based tourism development. Plans include adding supporting facilities such as a multipurpose hall, culinary center, and additional tourism attractions.
“What we are building is not just for today, but for future generations. In 2026, we want to leave the best possible legacy for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
The inauguration of the new Pokdarwis management was described as a key step in strengthening tourism governance. Village officials noted that Temesi has strong human resources, with many residents working in tourism and possessing foreign language skills.
The event was attended by representatives from various government agencies and community groups, reflecting broad cross-sector support for community-based tourism growth in eastern Gianyar.