IDEAS FOR GROWING THE CARE ECONOMY MODEL IN WUKIRSARI TOURISM VILLAGE, IMOGIRI, BANTUL, SPECIAL REGION OF YOGYAKARTA

Abstract

Wukirsari Tourism Village, located in Kapanewon Imogiri, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, was pioneered in 2006 following an earthquake. The village is currently experiencing significant development and has achieved various accolades, including the titles of 'preneur village,' 'tourist village,' and 'prime village. Building on these achievements, Wukirsari Village was designated a 'cultural village' in 2023. On November 15, 2024, it received the 'Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism' award from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Furthermore, in 2025, Wukirsari Village was recognized as an 'Intellectual Property-Based Area' in the 'Copyright Work Area' category by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. These achievements have led to an increase in both mass and alternative tourism visits, resulting in a rise in the tourism village's annual income to 4 billion rupiah per year. Reflecting on history, why Wukirsari village was able to transform into a tourist village, because there are three keys, namely batik, puppets and tombs of kings. The pioneers of culture, especially batik and puppet weavers, are both significant to the Mataram Kingdom, where the kings who have died are buried in the tombs of the Imogiri kings. Using an exploratory qualitative research approach, informants were identified, and data was collected through observation, interviews, and literature review. Primary and secondary data were validated and integrated in content analysis, analyzed and concluded. The results indicate that the village government and tourism village stakeholders, utilizing income generated from the village, have the opportunity to contribute to improving community welfare. Additionally, managers have the chance to develop a care economy for cultural actors. The concept of the economy of care integrates the moral disposition of individuals and activities that focus on helping others, not centered on self-interest.