Financial Training Boosts Skills of Tourism Entrepreneurs in Yogyakarta’s Sukunan Village
A 2026 community-based study led by Miswanto Miswanto and a multidisciplinary research team from STIE YKPN School of Business, Politeknik Kesehatan TNI AU Adisutjipto, and Universitas Ciputra Surabaya shows that practical financial management training significantly improves the capabilities of tourism entrepreneurs in Sukunan Environmental Tourism Village, Yogyakarta. Published in the International Journal of Asian Business and Management (IJABM), the study highlights how short, intensive training combined with mentoring can strengthen financial skills and support sustainable local business growth.
The findings are especially relevant as community-based tourism continues to grow across Indonesia. Villages like Sukunan, known for eco-education tourism and waste management innovation, rely heavily on small-scale entrepreneurs. However, many of these business actors still struggle with basic financial management, limiting their ability to scale operations and maintain long-term sustainability.
Tourism Growth Meets Financial Challenges
Sukunan Environmental Tourism Village, located in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, has developed into a model for eco-tourism since its establishment in 2009. The village integrates environmental education with tourism activities, including recycling programs, compost production, handicrafts, and homestay services.
Despite this progress, financial management remains a major challenge. Many entrepreneurs lack structured bookkeeping systems, often mix personal and business finances, and struggle with planning cash flow or controlling operational costs. These gaps reduce efficiency and hinder the full economic potential of the village.
The research team, led by Miswanto Miswanto of STIE YKPN, emphasizes that improving financial literacy and management practices is essential to sustaining tourism-based economies at the community level.
Method: One-Day Training with Real-World Practice
The program was conducted on June 29, 2025, involving 60 participants, including tourism entrepreneurs and managers in Sukunan Village. The researchers applied a qualitative approach, combining observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to assess changes before and after the training.
The training design focused on practical application rather than theory. Participants engaged in:
- Simple financial planning exercises
- Cash flow management simulations
- Cost control strategies
- Basic understanding of financing and investment decisions
The program used adult learning principles (andragogy) and experiential learning, encouraging participants to “learn by doing” through real business cases relevant to their daily activities.
Key Findings: Clear Improvement in Financial Skills
The study reports measurable improvements in participants’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward financial management after the training and mentoring program. Key results include:
-
Improved financial record-keeping
Participants began maintaining simple, structured financial records instead of relying on memory or informal notes. -
Separation of business and personal finances
Many participants who previously mixed funds started distinguishing between household and business income. -
Better cash flow understanding
Entrepreneurs gained awareness of income and expenses, helping them anticipate shortages and plan reserves. -
More rational cost management
Participants showed increased ability to control expenses and avoid unnecessary spending. -
Initial financial planning skills
Some participants started planning working capital and identifying financing needs more systematically.
Before the training, 50 out of 60 participants did not maintain proper financial records. After the program, most demonstrated the ability to organize basic financial data and apply it to decision-making.
One participant, a handicraft entrepreneur, described the change: income from sales was previously mixed with household expenses, making it difficult to calculate profit. After the training, participants began recognizing the importance of clear financial tracking.
Behavioral Shift: From Informal to Structured Practices
Beyond technical skills, the training also triggered a shift in mindset. Participants became more confident in managing their businesses and more engaged in discussions about financial strategies.
A homestay manager noted a new awareness of maintenance costs and the need to allocate reserve funds—an insight that directly affects business sustainability.
According to Miswanto Miswanto of STIE YKPN School of Business, the improvement reflects the effectiveness of practice-based learning. Financial concepts become easier to understand when directly linked to real-life business situations.
Why Mentoring Matters
The study emphasizes that while one-day training can deliver immediate improvements, long-term impact depends on continuous mentoring.
Short-term programs are effective for building foundational knowledge, but sustained behavioral change requires follow-up support. Without ongoing guidance, participants may struggle to maintain structured financial practices over time.
The researchers recommend integrating training with long-term mentoring programs to ensure lasting improvements in business performance.
Real-World Impact: Strengthening Local Economies
The findings have practical implications for multiple stakeholders:
For local communities:
Improved financial management enables entrepreneurs to run more sustainable businesses, increasing income stability and resilience against seasonal tourism fluctuations.
For policymakers:
Government programs supporting tourism villages should include structured financial training and continuous mentoring as part of development strategies.
For education and training providers:
The study highlights the effectiveness of experiential learning and adult-oriented training methods in community settings.
For the tourism industry:
Stronger financial management at the grassroots level contributes to the overall sustainability of tourism ecosystems.
The research also reinforces the importance of aligning financial management practices with the unique characteristics of community-based tourism, where income patterns can be irregular and highly dependent on external factors.
Author Profiles
Miswanto Miswanto, S.E., M.M. is a senior academic at STIE YKPN School of Business with expertise in financial management and community empowerment. He focuses on strengthening financial practices in micro and small enterprises.
Ika Puspita Kristianti, S.E., M.M., Vani Oktafiani, S.E., Gunawan Purwanto, Shita Lusi Wardhani, Rudy Badrudin, Bianka Andriyani, Noormalita Primandaru, Bambang Setia Wibowo, and Hastuti Naibaho are members of the research team from STIE YKPN, Politeknik Kesehatan TNI AU Adisutjipto, and Universitas Ciputra Surabaya, with expertise spanning business, community development, and applied education.
Source
DOI : https://doi.org/10.55927/ijabm.v5i2.11
URL : https://journalijabm.my.id/index.php/ijabm/index
0 Komentar