The development of the National Observatory area in Amfoang Tengah District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), involves a collaboration between institutions and local communities to establish a center for education and tourism based on culture and science. From October 22-23, 2024, a community service team from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Nusa Cendana University (Undana), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) organized a workshop in the National Observatory area. The team was led by Dr. Anton Timur Jaelani and Dr. Prananda L. Malasan from ITB, Jehunias Leonias Tanesib, M.Sc., from Undana, and Dr. Abdul Rachman, the Coordinator of the Kupang National Observatory Station from BRIN.
Attended by local residents, lecturers, and students, the workshop aimed to map cultural assets and natural potential in the area. These assets are expected to become tourist attractions that enhance the community's welfare and place the region on the international educational map. On the first day, participants focused on mapping local cultural assets, such as the making of Ume Bubu (traditional Amfoang houses), managing natural resources like cajuput and white grass, and exploring the potential development of Embung as an educational tourism destination.
"The first day, we focused on mapping cultural assets, including Ume Bubu and other local economic potentials," explained Dr. Anton Timur Jaelani. Additionally, Jehunias Leonias Tanesib, M.Sc., remarked that the event was "an initial step in formulating strategies to develop this area as a culture- and science-based destination."
On the second day, participants visited the telescope building at the National Observatory. This experience provided the local community with new insights into astronomy and strengthened the shared vision of making this area a center of civilization based on culture and science in Southeast Asia and even the world. "This moment is a valuable experience for locals to get closer to the world of astronomy and observatories," stated Dr. Prananda L. Malasan.
At the end of the workshop, a synergy was established among academics, researchers, and the community to develop the area sustainably, positioning it as a source of pride for NTT and Indonesia on the international stage. "We hope that this synergy will make the National Observatory a source of pride for NTT and Indonesia on the international stage," hoped Jehunias Leonias Tanesib, M.Sc.
Related News:
1. kupangnews.com: Pengembangan Kawasan Observatorium Nasional dari Ume Bubu hingga Teleskop di Amfoang Tengah
2. expontt.com: Dari Ume Bubu hingga Teleskop: Langkah Pengembangan Kawasan Observatorium Nasional di Amfoang Tengah
3. wartatimor.com: Dari Ume Bubu hingga Teleskop: "Langkah Pengembangan Kawasan Observatorium Nasional di Amfoang Tengah"
4. ntthits.com: Langkah Pengembangan Kawasan Observatorium Nasional di Amfoang Tengah Dari Ume Bubu Hingga Teleskop
5. batastimor.com: Observatorium Nasional Kupang, Potensi Wisata dan Edukasi Budaya NTT Menggeliat di Amfoang
