A researcher from the ILO (International Labour Organization), United Nations, Nichoulas Pitet, got struck by the farming community in the Village Wonosari horticulture, said Nongkojajar District, Pasuruan regency. For him, the local community is very skillful in utilizing the village land into agro-tourism center.
Indeed, not wrong if we choose to come to Nongkojajar, to pamper the eyes with its natural beauty. Regions around the slopes of the Tengger, located on the plains with an altitude of more than 1000 meters above sea level (masl).
These geographical conditions provide another benefit for the local population. Opportunities cultivation of different horticultural crops and cash cow milk production undoubtedly be the mainstay. In addition, the natural beauty offered was very beautiful and should not be missed.
In Nongkojajar itself there are two kinds of commodities mainstay in the horticultural sector, namely apple and chrysanthemum flowers. On the other side of the local people also worked as managing cash cow milk, and rice field location Nongkojajar located in the highlands is very suitable for use as crop type of vegetables.
Commodity Mainstay Wonosari Village, said Nongkojajar District, Pasuruan Regency, it is very suitable for planting two crops, such as chrysanthemums and apples. Because for two types of cultivation is very relevant when positioned at an altitude of about 700-1200 masl.
Seeing the strategic geographical position and the opportunities open it, the average local people clearing land for oil palm plantations, rice fields. As recognized M. Sholikan, 44 years, ever since the 1988's he developed the land into orchard garapannya, and most of the land for garden chrysanthemums.
Talk chrysanthemum flower, never any information will need to have a biological interest chrysanthemum was met only about 40 percent by local businessman, and the rest are still looking for supplies from outside the area. Means that efforts are still open chrysanthemum flower business in East Java. Moreover the chrysanthemum flower farmers association succeeded in supplying the needs of the local villages of this interest, as far as Bali and West Nusa Tenggara.
Nothing wrong when you see it, in the Village Wonosari more marked some plastic house, which is used to plant various types of interest arising from the Netherlands this. Even in recent years at least there are about a dozen more local people who berbudidaya chrysanthemum flowers.
However, this new reality does not release some of the local village farmers for all switch on chrysanthemum. Some of them are also still continuing to develop the cultivation of apples, which have become mainstays in the area.
For this type of chrysanthemum flower found in Nongkojajar very diverse. Like Van Langen Vallen, Fiji, Fiji White, Yellow Fiji Improved, Puma Sunny, Reagents Carera, Town Talk, and many more.
Similarly, local farmers set prices vary and are affordable, but also depends on the type. That is in the price range USD 1000 - USD 1400 for per stem.
After talking about the chrysanthemum flower, it is time to discuss one other Nongkojajar mainstay commodities, namely apples. Inevitably, an apple is also a mainstay of farmers in commodity Nongkojajar. Apple cultivation in the area cultivated by the garden-scale farmers and entrepreneurs. Determination of regional Agro Nongkojajar as Apple has done the local government since 1991.
Nearly all villages in the district said there Nongkojajar apple crop. Types of apples grown quite diverse local community. Among other Manalagi Apples, Rome Beauty (Apel Malang), Ana, and Apple Green.
Usually the tourists, both domestic and foreign tourists interested in coming to Nongkojajar, in addition to typical mountain scenery, they are also interested in the culture of apple picking. Namely, a tour package provided by local farmers to pick apples directly on the plantation.
Grebeg Memetri Sub said numbered 12 Nongkojajar with an agricultural village, the total area of 94 square kilometers. Being on the west slope of Tengger mountains, which is also a national park buffer Bromo Tengger Semeru. Can be enjoyed not only in terms of agro-tourism, but also the cultural traditions of local communities.
Especially after reaping the harvest and trade in the local market selling lots, the village of Wonosari hold annual events with Memetri Grebeg name, which means safety.
The purpose than this event is solely as an expression of gratitude to the Creator, especially thanks to the abundance of good fortune that has been given to the community Wonosari Village.
Bambang Irawan, 48 years old, Wonosari village chief, said on EastJava Nongkojajar Traveler, said this celebration as an expression of gratitude Grebeg residents who mostly work as farmers and ranchers.
"In addition to our ancestors has become a tradition village Memetri Grebeg also as a form of relationship between us and the Creator," said Bambang.
Start the morning before the procession began Grebeg Memetri, some village officials and local people began with a special ritual slaughter of a cow's head in the village chief's house. To then paraded to the center of the village market, after which they were planted in a yard in the Village Wonosari market.
After that, waiting for daylight arrived, citizens began to rush to prepare procession processional event. Which brings rack front row (where the offerings for the cone shaped, red). Having covered the route as far as three kilometers of the stage right in front of the guests invited, rack containing yellow rice and snacks contested by citizens, who crowded the streets that afternoon in the Village Wonosari.
"There is a kind of trust for those who get the dish rack will get a blessing in later days," said Ahmad Zamroni, 37 years, Head Wonosari Village Market.
Seizing rack is then completed any public attention turns to the traditional arts performances, such as jaranan, Reyog, drum band, and still many others who also accompanied the processional path.
As pemungkas filled event with a welcome address from Dr. H. Dade Anga, SIP. Si, the Regent of Pasuruan who were present with levels Muspida Pasuruan, and also Drs. Dp Suwarno, Si, Head of Tourism Department Kabuaten Pasuruan.
In his speech explaining Dade Anga, cultural events such as this deserves Grebeg Memetri maintained and should continue to exist, given all the success of our work effort can not be separated on the Creator and the ancestors. "Especially with the results from the existing agro-tourism in Nongkojajar which always increased every year" he said.
Meanwhile, Drs. Dp Suwarno, Si, Head of Tourism Department said Kabuaten Pasuruan, Pasuruan we as citizens should be proud of as a calendar entry Memetri Grebeg annual event tourism in East Java. "This achievement is very supportive for Nongkojajar, let alone this area is very popular with agrowisatanya," he said.
The party was over marked by as many as 17 times beating gongs, as well as mark the opening of public markets and several performances of traditional arts as entertainment community.
Access to Nongkojajar The road to the location of said District Nongkojajar very easily and smoothly, with the support of rural and mountain panorama is very unique and natural. Very smooth running condition, although quite winding.
Distance of approximately 80 kilometers from Surabaya. When the city of Malang can be reached in about a half hour drive.
When the route of travel from the direction of Surabaya-Malang, so until the Road Purwodadi, we will see the first clue in the form of large billboard on the west side of the road with the direction of the arrow to the location. From there the site was located approximately 20 kilometers traveled by private vehicle. From the point of public transportation is also available itupula.
After that we'll just follow the lane highway, and no need to stray. Indicate when we've got recalled Nongkojajar District, Pasuruan Regency, namely the existence of the village gateway signs in the form of writings Welcome Nongkojajar.
