TULUNGAGUNG – Lawmakers in Tulungagung are urging the local government to immediately revitalize Popoh Beach as the once-popular tourism destination continues losing visitors and economic appeal.
Members of the regional legislative council say the administration can no longer rely solely on public funding. They now encourage officials to involve private investors in managing and developing the coastal tourism area.
Commission D member of the Tulungagung Regional House of Representatives Asrori described the current condition of Popoh Beach as alarming.
“Popoh Beach is in a concerning condition right now,” Asrori said on Wednesday. “The area needs immediate revitalization, and the management should involve private companies to make it more professional.”
According to him, the declining quality of supporting facilities has directly affected tourist arrivals. He stressed that damaged infrastructure, especially road access to the beach, requires urgent repairs.
“Supporting facilities must be improved,” he said. “Damaged roads also need immediate repairs because tourists will avoid destinations with difficult access.”
Besides infrastructure, lawmakers also highlighted weak tourism branding as another major problem.
Asrori believes tourism promotion in Tulungagung must become more innovative and competitive. He warned that Popoh Beach could lose even more visitors as new tourism destinations continue emerging across the region.
“Branding must become more attractive and innovative,” he said. “Competition is getting stronger. Without improvements, tourists will leave.”
He added that the issue extends beyond Popoh Beach alone. Several tourism destinations that contribute to regional income also require better management and development strategies.
According to Asrori, lawmakers have already raised the issue with the local tourism agency.
“We have conveyed this to the tourism office,” he explained. “Not only Popoh, but all tourism destinations that contribute to local revenue have major potential.”
He also expressed concern over the decline of Popoh Beach, which once served as one of Tulungagung’s most recognized tourism icons.
“In the past, Popoh was the symbol of Tulungagung tourism,” Asrori said. “Now it feels almost lifeless. We also feel sorry for residents who depend on the local tourism economy.”
The DPRD is now calling on tourism authorities to adopt more professional management practices and introduce fresh ideas to revive the destination.
Lawmakers believe innovation will play a key role in restoring tourism activity at Popoh Beach and attracting travelers back to the area.
Previously, local officials acknowledged that many facilities at Popoh Beach had deteriorated. The tourism site has also become noticeably quieter, even though visitor numbers still rise slightly during weekends and public holidays.
Several public facilities along the beach facing the Indian Ocean reportedly remain damaged and in need of renovation.