TIMES JEMBER, JAKARTA – The Refugia Garden in Magetan, East Java, is a haven for biodiversity and sustainability. This beautiful and serene botanical garden is an initiative of the youth community, supported by local authorities, and designed as a sanctuary for rare and endangered plant species. The garden has become a popular tourist destination, as well as an educational and research site, attracting visitors from all over Indonesia.

The Refugia Garden, established in 2019, occupies an area of 10 hectares and boasts over 600 plant species, including medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. It also features themed gardens such as the Water Garden, the Bamboo Garden, and the Spice Garden, all showcasing the remarkable diversity and beauty of Indonesia's flora. The garden is designed based on permaculture principles, emphasizing sustainable practices such as composting, crop rotation, and natural pest management.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll in the garden, admiring the vibrant colors and fragrances of the plants, and learning about their ecological and cultural significance. The garden also hosts workshops and events on topics such as sustainable agriculture, herbal medicine, and environmental conservation. The Refugia Garden has become a model for community-based conservation and sustainable tourism, highlighting the potential of youth empowerment and collaboration between local communities and authorities.

Refugia Garden Get Positive Reviews from the Visitors

The garden has received positive reviews for its unique and inspiring concept, as well as its well-maintained facilities and friendly staff. A visitor from Jakarta, Yuni, praised the garden's peaceful atmosphere and informative signage. "It's amazing to see such a variety of plants in one place, and to learn about their traditional uses and conservation status," she said. "The garden offers a great opportunity for city dwellers like me to reconnect with nature and learn about sustainable living," she added

Another visitor from Surabaya, Budi, expressed his appreciation for the garden's efforts towards eco-tourism and community development. "The Refugia Garden shows that sustainability and tourism can go hand in hand," he said. "It's great to see young people taking the initiative to create a space that benefits not only the environment but also the local economy and education."

Overall, the Refugia Garden Magetan is a remarkable achievement of youth-led conservation and sustainable tourism. It offers a unique and inspiring experience, combining the beauty of nature with the value of education and community empowerment. It sets an example for other initiatives that seek to promote biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development, and invites visitors to become part of this growing movement towards a more resilient and harmonious future. (*)