By: Wari Wicatman (Editorial Board, Jayanews.com)
Bojongsari Urban Village, in Indramayu District and Regency, possesses tourism assets that set it apart from other areas. We have the Bojongsari Reservoir, the Fountain Park, the Puspa Wangi Educational Park, and the Mutiara Bangsa Smart House.
The Bojongsari Reservoir, in particular, has a significant history. Originally built as the rowing venue for the 2003 West Java Regional Sports Week (Porda IX), the reservoir also serves as a raw water source for the local water utility company, Perumdam Tirta Darma Ayu.
However, we must honestly admit that the Bojongsari tourism area is currently in a state of neglect.
Facilities appear poorly maintained, tourism activity is sluggish, and local MSME operators see few customers. Not long ago, residents complained about the area being choked with water hyacinths, which ruined the scenery. Although the Indramayu Regency Government carried out a cleanup operation in August 2026, without sustainable management, there remains a lingering fear that the area will fall into neglect once again.
This is despite the fact that the Regent of Indramayu personally inspected business activities at the Bojongsari Reservoir complex and affirmed support for tourism investment in accordance with regulations. This is a positive signal that the local government is paying attention.
Residents’ Simple Hopes
We, the community living around the reservoir, are not demanding grand new developments. Our hope is simple: carry out repairs or renovations and revitalize the Bojongsari tourism area—whether managed directly by the relevant government agency or opened up to serious investors.
If managed well, the economic impact would be immediately felt by residents:
First, the empowerment of MSMEs. Bojongsari is known for its home-based industries producing traditional steamed cakes (*kue basah*) and cookies (*kue kering*), as well as for its rice stalls, coffee shops, culinary snack vendors, and gold-plated jewelry workshops along Jalan Perjuangan. If the reservoir becomes a bustling hub, 15–20 MSMEs from the Ketapang, Bojong, and Bungkul blocks could secure official stalls to conduct business.
Second, job creation. Local youths living near the reservoir could be empowered to work as parking attendants, sanitation staff, water recreation supervisors, and creative economy entrepreneurs.
Third, the circulation of local funds. The taxes and fees paid by residents would return to the community in the form of concrete neighborhood roads, street lighting, and proper landscaping around the reservoir.
We are confident that through synergy between the Tourism Office, the Bojongsari Village administration, and investors—all guided by appropriate regulations—Bojongsari Reservoir could quickly transform into a premier tourist destination for Indramayu City, evolving beyond its current status as merely a water catchment area and casual hangout spot.
Let us not allow this asset to remain idle for too long. Residents are ready to support, safeguard, and help manage it. Revitalize tourism in Bojongsari, and the local economy will thrive along with it.**
_Indramayu, September 17, 2026_
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