Harnessing Digital Potential: Ushering in a New Era of Storytelling in Petungkriyono

Petungkriyono, a subdistrict in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java, is renowned for its well-preserved natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity. The lush forests that embrace its villages are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a prime nature tourism destination with vast potential. However, beyond its captivating natural scenery, Petungkriyono is now beginning to forge a new path toward a digital creative economy.

As part of its efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods and preserve forest ecosystems, the Relung Indonesia Foundation is committed to supporting the development of digital skills among the people of Petungkriyono. In September 2024, the foundation will hold a training program titled “Mastering Digital Storytelling: Crafting Impactful Narratives Online.” This program aims to equip the youth of Petungkriyono with digital storytelling skills, enabling them to promote the region’s tourism potential and creative economy.

Why Is Digital Storytelling Training Important for Petungkriyono?

In today’s digital age, storytelling is not just about words but about how narratives are conveyed through digital media to reach a global audience. By using platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, young people can tap into local potential while creating new income streams. This presents a major opportunity for Petungkriyono, with its abundant natural and cultural wealth, to gain broader recognition and attract tourists, businesspeople, and environmental enthusiasts alike.

This training is expected to ignite enthusiasm among the youth of Petungkriyono to produce authentic, meaningful content that can showcase the region’s natural beauty and local creative industries. Through the skills they develop in this program, participants are expected to monetize their content while preserving the natural heritage they hold.

22 Content Creators from Petungkriyono: Who Are They?

Prior to the training, an initial survey was conducted. The Relung Indonesia team successfully identified 22 content creators across 9 villages in the Petungkriyono subdistrict. Interestingly, these creators come from diverse backgrounds and interests. Some already have digital channels focused on specific topics, such as beekeeping, which they have monetized through educational videos and local product promotions. Others are still in the process of developing their channels but are highly motivated to expand their reach on digital platforms.

This diversity highlights the significant talent in Petungkriyono that is ready to be nurtured. Through this training, they will learn visual storytelling techniques, effective social media strategies, and methods for monetizing content to support the local economy.

Digital Ecosystem for the Youth

One of the long-term impacts of this training will be the creation of a digital ecosystem in Petungkriyono. With support from Relung Indonesia, this community of creators is expected to collaborate and synergize to produce content that promotes forest conservation, tourism, and the growth of the local creative economy.

This digital ecosystem will open new opportunities for the youth, allowing them not only to create content from their hometowns but also to reach a global audience. In this way, environmental conservation and economic empowerment can go hand in hand, paving the way for a sustainable future for Petungkriyono.

This content creator survey is just the beginning of a larger initiative. The “Mastering Digital Storytelling” training will provide a solid foundation for content creators to thrive in the digital world. With their newfound skills, they will not only promote local potential but also craft compelling narratives about the importance of preserving ecosystems and utilizing natural resources sustainably.

Petungkriyono stands on the brink of a significant transformation, where stories of its forests, culture, and local creativity can shine through digital platforms. With a spirit of collaboration, the youth are poised to bring Petungkriyono to the global stage, demonstrating how technology and local wisdom can work hand in hand to create a brighter future.

Contributor:

Eka B. Panuntun