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UNAIR NEWS – (UNAIR) continues to produce exceptional alumni across diverse fields, including Rohim Ariful. A graduate of the Information Systems program from the Faculty of Science and Technology, class of 2015, Ariful has excelled in numerous areas since his university years. Known for his versatility and expansive thinking, this Ponorogo native has successfully established an agro and educational tourism site named Ndalem Kerto.

Ariful shared that Ndalem Kerto started with his father’s crystal guava orchard, which he transformed into an interactive learning space where visitors can engage directly with nature. “Initially, my father’s orchard was only for guava production. Now, it has become an agrotourism site open to the public,” he recounted.

Story of Ndalem Kerto

Ndalem Kerto’s development owes much to Ariful’s talent for identifying potential. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government encouraged healthier lifestyles through consuming fresh fruit and connecting with nature.

In 2021, the orchard began attracting more visitors, prompting Ariful and his family to convert it into an educational tourism destination, Ndalem Kerto, in 2022. It became the first educational site in Ponorogo to promote a “play, learn, and appreciate nature as God’s creation” approach, providing a space for the public to learn.

“We strive to provide students with meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom. The site is open to school students from preschool to high school (supporting the Merdeka Curriculum), university students (for internships, fieldwork, and community service), and can also serve as a destination for family or individual tourism,” he explained.

Embracing sustainable tourism

Ndalem Kerto also embodies sustainable tourism principles by engaging the local community as partners in developing educational zones. “At Ndalem Kerto, we apply sustainable tourism by involving the local community as partners in creating learning spaces, such as goat and cattle pens, the crystal guava orchard, and small businesses selling guava products,” Ariful stated.

Additionally, Ndalem Kerto supports environmental conservation and is the region’s sole education and conservation site for the green peafowl (Pavo muticus), preserving local knowledge related to the Reog Ponorogo cultural heritage.

Challenges in establishing the site

Though Ndalem Kerto has grown quickly, Ariful encountered significant challenges early on, particularly with limited funding and staff. Still, he pressed forward, taking bold steps to bring his creative ideas to life.

Ariful eventually overcame these challenges, and his efforts have paid off, with Ndalem Kerto gaining popularity in the community. However, he is committed to further expansion. Looking forward, Ariful aims to develop the business to continue providing sustainable benefits to his hometown.

“I’m grateful to have a positive digital legacy that contributes to the academic world, though I don’t currently have plans for a master’s degree. I hope one day to pursue further studies in a field that can support educational tourism development in Ponorogo,” he concluded.

Author: Yulia Rohmawati