Journal of Agribusiness and Natural Resources
Vol. 1 No. 4 (2025): December

Transformation of Strawberry Farmers into Agrotourism Operators in Batu City: A Case Study of Lumbung Stroberi Pandanrejo

Rum Van Royensyah (Agribusiness Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pertanian Amuntai, Indonesia)
Muhammad Hasyim (Horticultural Crop Production Technology, Politeknik Murakata, Indonesia)
Noor Azizah (Agribusiness Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pertanian Amuntai, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Feb 2026

Abstract

The transformation of strawberry farmers into agrotourism operators represents a paradigm shift in rural development from pure agriculture to service-based tourism economy. This study analyzes the transformation process of strawberry farmers in Pandanrejo Village, Batu City, East Java, using a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 18 informants, participatory observation, and document analysis. Results indicate that transformation occurred in three stages: (1) crisis of traditional agriculture due to price fluctuations, (2) BUMDes-based agrotourism initiation in 2018-2019, and (3) institutionalization of sustainable tourism. Key driving factors include economic incentives (40-60% income increase), policy support from Batu City Tourism Office, and social capital of mutual cooperation (Sinoman Batu Association). However, challenges include infrastructure limitations, conflicts with traditional middlemen, and risks of cultural commodification. This study recommends strengthening BUMDes managerial capacity and developing agrotourism zoning regulations to maintain balance between commercialization and sustainability.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

janr

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Economics, Econometrics & Finance Energy Environmental Science Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Agribusiness and Natural Resources (JANR) is an interdisciplinary publication dedicated to original research and scholarly work in the fields related to agribusiness and natural resource management. This journal aims to facilitate and promote the dissemination of knowledge and innovative ...