PENGHIDUPAN BERKELANJUTAN MELALUI INOVASI SOSIAL SEMAR WATU GAGASAN PT PLN NUSANTARA POWER UP GRESIK

Abstract

The dynamics of contemporary rural development are confronted with a crucial challenge to maintain a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation, as reflected in the spatial complexity of Pelemwatu Village, Menganti Subdistrict, Gresik Regency. This region is currently facing multidimensional threats in the form of ecological vulnerability caused by suboptimal waste management and massive agricultural land conversion. These issues subsequently have implications for declining food security, high unemployment rates, as well as emerging health issues and low education levels within the social dimension. In response to the escalation of these vulnerabilities, this article examines the "SEMAR WATU" (Sejahtera, Mandiri, dan Lestari Desa Wisata Pelemwatu) social innovation program initiated by PT PLN Nusantara Power UP Gresik to provide an integrated resolution to environmental, social, and economic issues. The development of this intervention is grounded in the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) to manage the region's strategic capital, which is implemented through the strengthening of active social institutions, the empowerment of the ecotourism sector, the integration of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) centers, and the holistic utilization of the lake area and village land assets. The implementation of this program is designed to actualize a systematic transformation in the form of heightened awareness regarding environmental sustainability, the creation of skilled human resources, and the fortification of local economic resilience through the establishment of circular economy chains and the creation of new business opportunities. The findings of this study affirm that resource mapping rooted in the integrative optimization of local assets is highly essential in supporting the realization of a prosperous, independent, and sustainable village ecosystem.