TASIKMALAYA, KOMPAS.com – Instead of wading into the heated debate surrounding school study tours, the Deputy Mayor of Tasikmalaya, West Java, Diky Chandra, has announced he’s prioritizing the development of the city’s tourism sector.
“Personally, instead of getting bogged down in the study tour discussion, I’d rather focus on creating attractive tourist destinations in Tasikmalaya. This includes preparing events and activities that will draw tourists, along with educational and cultural tourism initiatives,” Diky told Kompas.com at the Tasikmalaya City Bapelitbangda Office on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Diky clarified that there are currently no new policies in place regarding study tours in Tasikmalaya. For now, the city is adhering to the directive issued by the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, which prohibits these activities for high school (SMA) and vocational school (SMK) students.
“There haven’t been any new policies established, so we’re still following the Governor’s instructions,” Diky confirmed.
Also Read: Tasikmalaya Has Not Yet Banned Study Tours, But Schools Have Started at 6:30 AM Following Dedi Mulyadi’s Policy
Acknowledging that he doesn’t have the authority to enact policies – that power resides with the Mayor of Tasikmalaya – Diky is taking the initiative to strengthen the tourism sector while awaiting a decision from the city’s leadership.
“As Deputy Mayor, I don’t have policymaking power; that belongs to the Mayor. So, while waiting for a policy, I’d rather do something for Tasikmalaya. For example, we’re currently discussing hosting a national off-road event in Urug, Kawalu, Tasikmalaya City, in the near future,” he explained.
Diky believes Tasikmalaya possesses significant untapped tourism potential. He hopes the city can become a premier destination for educational, cultural, culinary, and recreational tourism.
“We’re focusing on that for now. Policy decisions aren’t my responsibility; I’m just doing my job. If I propose a policy, I’m afraid I’ll get scolded,” Diky said jokingly.
This announcement comes after West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi banned study tours for public high schools (SMA) and vocational schools (SMK) throughout the province. Any school principal who violates this ban faces potential removal from their position.
Ringkasan
Diky Chandra, the Deputy Mayor of Tasikmalaya, is prioritizing the development of the city’s tourism sector rather than focusing on the ongoing debate surrounding school study tours. He aims to create attractive destinations and events to draw tourists, specifically emphasizing educational and cultural tourism initiatives in Tasikmalaya.
While there are no new policies regarding study tours in Tasikmalaya, the city is currently adhering to the West Java Governor’s directive prohibiting them for high school students. Diky is strengthening the tourism sector while awaiting policy decisions from the Mayor, including plans to host a national off-road event, emphasizing Tasikmalaya’s untapped potential for various forms of tourism.