Journal of Community Service and Empowerment
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): August

Activity-based management of a community reading park for rural community empowerment in Gunungkidul, Indonesia

Tri Sudaryani (Department of Nonformal Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo No.1, Karang Malang, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)
S. Sujarwo (Department of Nonformal Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo No.1, Karang Malang, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Jun 2026

Abstract

Community reading parks (Taman Bacaan Masyarakat, TBM) can function as community learning spaces when they are managed beyond book-lending services and connected to local needs. This article transforms a qualitative thesis on TBM Gubug Pintar in Semanu, Gunungkidul, into a journal-style manuscript. The study aimed to analyze the activity-based management strategy of TBM Gubug Pintar, describe its empowerment outcomes, and identify supporting and inhibiting factors. A descriptive qualitative approach was used with TBM managers, volunteers, activity participants, community leaders, and local government representatives as information sources. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation, and were validated using source and method triangulation. The findings show that TBM Gubug Pintar applies a participatory management cycle consisting of planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling. These functions are operationalized through basic literacy classes, Sinau Bareng, religious and character education, entrepreneurship training, digital literacy activities, local product development, environmental literacy, and arts and cultural preservation. The strategy contributes to improved literacy practices, stronger family economic creativity, cultural continuity, and social solidarity. The main supporting factors are volunteer commitment, community participation, government support, and multisector partnerships, whereas the main constraints are limited facilities, operational funding, digital infrastructure, and volunteer regeneration. The article argues that activity-based TBM management is a promising model for integrating literacy, skills development, and rural community empowerment.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jcse

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences Other

Description

This journal publishes articles on community service and empowerment results that are problem-solving, comprehensive, meaningful, and sustainable, with clear goals. Various community service and empowerment activities must have novelty (have innovation and creativity), so that they do not just ...