Banyuwangi Introduces Sumber Gedor as Educational Tourism Site

Banyuwangi Kartininews.com — Banyuwangi Regency in East Java Province has hundreds of natural springs that support the community’s clean water needs. One of the oldest and most historic is the Sumber Air Gedor in Gombengsari Village, Kalipuro District, located at the foot of Mount Ijen.

This spring serves as one of the main sources utilized by the Banyuwangi Regional Public Drinking Water Company (PUDAM) to supply clean water to the residents of Banyuwangi City.

The Gedor Water Source area was developed during the Dutch colonial era starting in 1926 and began operating in 1927, giving it significant historical and cultural value for Banyuwangi.

It is situated in a forested area with shady trees on the slopes of Mount Ijen, offering a cool and natural atmosphere.

PUDAM Banyuwangi maintains the area through a closed water management system to preserve the purity and clarity of the water until it is distributed to the community.

In addition to its beneficial mineral content, the spring has never experienced drought despite being in use for nearly a century.

Currently, PUDAM Banyuwangi has begun opening the Gedor Water Source area as an educational tourism destination for students and the general public.

Visitors can see the spring directly and learn about its management process, including trying water from a simple distillation process sourced from the spring.

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani supports the development of the area as an educational tourism site while also serving as a means to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting water sources and the environment.

“I strongly support PUDAM in introducing this area to students and the community. This also sends a message to the younger generation that water sources must be well maintained, along with their surrounding environment. This will become an alternative educational tourism destination, especially since it can be considered a cultural heritage,” she said during a site visit on Wednesday (13/5/2026).

PUDAM Banyuwangi Director Abdurrahman said the water at Gedor Spring is of high quality and rich in minerals.

“The water is rich in minerals, making it healthy for the body. This has been proven through laboratory test results from the Regional Health Laboratory,” he said.

He added that the educational tourism is expected to introduce the clean water distribution process to the younger generation while fostering environmental awareness from an early age.

“Here, students can see how water from nature is channeled to people’s homes, so it is hoped that awareness of protecting the environment will grow from an early stage,” he explained.

In addition to learning about water management, visitors are also introduced to various types of vegetation around the spring area, such as kluwek trees, guava, candlenut, and many other plants.