Improve The Discipline of Visitors to do Health Protocol (Nature and Environment in Goa Gong Tourism Area, Pacitan)

By Wilton Paskalis D. Ama

Goa Gong is a UNESCO-recognized conserved tourist area since 2015. Every conserved area must apply procedures how important to maintain the cleanliness of nature and its environment. However, it comes back to one's consciousness to do it in everyday life. Ethics in keeping conserved areas comfortable and clean are important to be applied. Putting noticement on a board or billboard and providing a garbage bins is one of the simple ways that can be done. Placed the noticement and the bins at several points makes easy for every visitor to see them. It has been done in Goa Gong tourism area, Pacitan. Cleanliness is one of the important health indicators applied. This is in line with what is discussed during the Health Problem workshop held by Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta which must be implemented in daily life, one of which is environmental hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

A clean environment stimulates beautiful nature. In addition to a clean environment, the growth of various types of plants and trees will have a positive impact on nature and the surrounding environment. The green natural beauty will stimulate positive energy for everyone, especially visitors who come as tourists in Gong Cave. Geographical and natural conditions that are hilly and overgrown with various types of plants add to the beauty of this region.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the health protocols implemented by Goa Gong tourism officers is providing gloves for every visitor, in addition of hand washing and body temperature checks. However, keeping the distance among visitors is still not discipline-enforced, although several times officers reminded them. It happens because of the lack of awareness of visitors, even among them talking jokes and singing without wearing a mask. Such conduct deserves attention because it will be a health problem that has a negative impact to many other people.

Self-awareness and sensitivity to natural and environmental situations are issues that may be difficult to do for certain people. Recreation and natural visit give people the opportunity to learn that a clean environment will give positive energy in their daily lives. Nature cannot speak like a human being, but it can show its beauty so that people can realize how important nature and the environment are to life. ***