Jakarta, aktual.com – Located at the altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, Dusun Butuh is the highest village in Magelang Regency, Central Java. The settlement, which is part of the Temanggung Village in Kaliangkrik District, was used to be the climbing route to Mount Sumbing.

“For many people, this place may have not be attractive because of its far distance from city center with minimum facilities. Most of the residents were farmers, growing vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, and others,” said Lilik Setiyawan, the Committee Chair and Local Chief.

Travelers often compare the charm of local houses piled on top of each other on the slopes of Mount Sumbing with the Himalayan village of Namche Bazaar, which earned the nickname Nepal van Java in 2019.

Therefore, Lilik took the initiative to makeover Dusun Butuh and it was accepted by the residents. With the participation of Nippon Paint brings colour into the village, Nepal van Java is now becoming popular for its instagrammable and colorful houses.

The popularity of Nepal van Java also benefits the residents. We have around 1,000 residents here from 475 families, and all of them could enjoy more economic opportunities such as opening warung (stall) selling food or coffee, parking spaces, and even motorcycle taxis. This proves that the transformation of Dusun Butuh has lifted the local economy, said Lilik.

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Editor: Zaenal Arifin