Tourism Studio 1 Field Study: Bandengan Beach Area, Jepara Regency

As part of the learning process in the Studio 1 Contextual Exploration course, students from the Master of Architecture Program, Tourism Architecture Concentration, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a field survey at Bandengan Beach Area, Jepara Regency, from 7–10 May 2026. The activity served as an important stage in preparing the Master Plan for the Tourism Attraction Area (ODTW) of Bandengan Beach, with a planning horizon from 2025 to 2035.

Recognized as one of Jepara’s leading coastal tourism destinations, Bandengan Beach plays a strategic role as one of the largest contributors to the tourism sector’s Regional Original Revenue (PAD). This potential makes the area a relevant learning laboratory for tourism architecture students to understand the dynamics of marine tourism development through a contextual, sustainable, and locally based approach.

Through Studio 1, students were assigned to develop a master plan for Bandengan Beach as a natural, cultural, and adventure tourism area within the context of marine tourism. The planning process applied a multidimensional approach by considering spatial, social, economic, cultural, and environmental aspects as the foundation for long-term tourism development.

The field survey involved five students from the Master of Architecture Program, Tourism Architecture Concentration, under the guidance of Prof. Ir. Tarcicius Yoyok Wahyu Subroto, M.Eng., Ph.D., IPU., as the course instructor. During the activity, students conducted field observations, site surveys, and interviews to collect primary data that would support analysis, concept development, and the preparation of the master plan in the following studio stages.

Data collection was carried out comprehensively through engagement with various stakeholders involved in the management and development of the area. Students gained insights, data, and perspectives from regional government representatives in Jepara Regency, tourism area managers, local business actors, and community leaders from Bandengan Village.

The activity received support from several institutions, including the Jepara Regency Tourism and Culture Office, Jepara Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), Jepara Transportation Office, and Jepara Public Works and Spatial Planning Office. In addition, students also interacted with Bandengan Beach managers, local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as local communities to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s characteristics, development challenges, and tourism potential.

Through this activity, students are expected to develop not only an understanding of the physical and social contexts of coastal tourism areas but also the ability to conduct data-based analysis and planning. The survey outcomes are expected to contribute to the formulation of an adaptive, sustainable, and relevant master plan for the future development of Bandengan Beach. This activity reflects UGM’s commitment to experiential learning that is contextual, collaborative, and contributes to regional development and tourism based on local wisdom.

The field survey and preparation of the Bandengan Beach Tourism Attraction Area Master Plan contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through sustainable tourism development based on local economic potential, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through inclusive and sustainable coastal area planning, and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through sustainable coastal and marine tourism management. In addition, this activity supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by implementing research-based experiential learning.