Tokonanaka Island has once again proven its potential as a community-based tourism destination. This time, through an initiative by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students participating in the Community Service Program (KKN), the small island located in North Morowali became the site of an Open Trip held in Tokonanaka Village, an educational tourism program that combines entertainment with community empowerment and environmental conservation.
The activity, held on 26-27 July 2025, was made possible through collaboration between the KKN Saba Mortara team, led by Muhammad Sidik Efendi and Bimo Nur Rochim as the main coordinators, and the travel partner Journey, as well as local youth in Tokonanaka, under the leadership of Muhdar, Deputy Head of the Pokdarwis (Tourism Awareness Group).
“This Open Trip isn’t just about attracting tourists, but also about proving that tourism can be a space for active participation from village communities, especially young people,” said Efendi in an interview on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025.
The Open Trip series began on Saturday morning, Jul. 26, 2025, with a mangrove planting activity symbolizing a commitment to coastal environmental sustainability.
The program continued with exciting water activities such as banana boating, kayaking, and swimming on Tokonanaka’s signature white sand beaches.
For the local youth, this event was a meaningful experience.
Those involved from the early preparation stages expressed gratitude for being trusted to take an active role.
“We were thrilled to be included, not just helping on the ground, but also being invited to discussions and decision-making. It made us feel appreciated and like we had a real role,” said Fikram, one of the local youth participants.
As night fell, participants joined an open discussion session with the North Morowali Environmental Agency, which addressed key issues related to waste management and environmental challenges in coastal areas.
Besides raising awareness among the participants, the discussion also created space for dialogue between youth and local government.
“After the discussion, participants spent the evening in the open air. A strong sense of togetherness and camaraderie emerged, turning the holiday experience into a space for exchanging ideas and fostering collective enthusiasm,” Efendi added.
The next morning, activities resumed with a group exercise session on the beach, followed by a lively treasure hunt that encouraged laughter and teamwork.
After the outbound session, participants prepared to leave the island, taking with them memories of a meaningful and impactful experience.
According to Rochim, the program reflects a tangible approach to sustainable tourism.
He emphasized that tourism should not stop at recreation alone, but should also incorporate elements of education, conservation, and most importantly, local community involvement.
“When the community becomes the subject, not just the object, tourism becomes more sustainable. We’re happy to be involved directly. Many of our friends who previously had no idea how to organize a tourism event are now excited. This could be the first step toward independently managing our own village tourism in the future,” said Muhdar.
Through this collaborative approach, the Open Trip in Tokonanaka successfully showcased the island’s natural beauty while also activating the role of youth in tourism.
For the young generation, such activities could mark the beginning of how a small village can play a major role in developing inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Reporter: KKN Saba Mortara Team/Muhammad Sidik Efendi
Author & Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographs: KKN Saba Mortara