TULUNGAGUNG – Popoh Beach, one of Tulungagung’s best-known coastal tourism destinations, continues struggling to recover visitor numbers despite improved access from the Southern Cross Route (JLS).
Local tourism officials say the beach still faces major challenges, including declining tourist arrivals and limited funding for facility upgrades.
Head of the Popoh Beach Management Unit Eko Suwito said authorities still place high hopes on the JLS network, especially after the opening of the Lot 6A section near Besole Village in Besuki District.
According to Eko, the national coastal highway creates major opportunities for tourism growth across southern Tulungagung. The road now connects several beach destinations and tourism areas along the southern coastline.
“Our hopes still depend on the JLS,” Eko said. “Access has already opened. Now we must find ways to attract travelers to stop at Popoh Beach.”
However, conditions on the ground have not fully benefited the tourism site. Since the JLS began operating, many travelers have changed their tourism patterns and chosen destinations located directly along the main road.
Popoh Beach sits slightly away from the primary route. Because of that, the destination must compete harder to remain visible among tourists exploring the southern coast.
“At the moment, we must work harder so tourists continue noticing Popoh,” Eko added.
Besides visitor declines, infrastructure problems also remain a major concern. Several public facilities inside the beach area have deteriorated and urgently need repairs.
Unfortunately, limited funding has slowed improvement efforts. Local managers say the current budget only covers basic maintenance and cleaning operations.
“Right now, we practically have no development budget,” Eko explained. “The available funds only support cleanliness and routine maintenance.”
The lack of funding has restricted broader revitalization efforts at the tourism site. Even so, Popoh Beach still holds strong tourism potential because of its historical reputation and natural scenery.
For decades, the beach has remained one of Tulungagung’s most iconic coastal attractions. Many residents and tourists still recognize Popoh as a historic tourism landmark in southern East Java.
Eko believes the destination can recover if authorities improve facilities and strengthen tourism promotion strategies.
“Popoh has a long history,” he said. “We believe tourists will return if the area receives proper improvements.”
Moving forward, the beach management unit hopes the regional government and related institutions will support revitalization programs around the tourism area.
Officials also see stronger integration with the JLS corridor as an important step. They want Popoh Beach to benefit directly from the growing tourism traffic along the southern coastal route.
Local tourism authorities believe targeted improvements could help Popoh Beach reclaim its position as one of Tulungagung’s leading tourism destinations.