Probolinggo Regency continues to demonstrate its wealth of natural attractions, with Greenthing Beach in Randutatah Village, Paiton District, serving as a prime example of community-driven innovation.
This destination emerged from the collective memory of Grinting Hamlet, which was previously lost to severe coastal erosion (abrasion). The establishment of this site has provided a significant boost to the local community, creating alternative income streams beyond traditional fishing.
Furthermore, nature-based management ensures that the environmental impact of tourism remains positive through sustainable coastal restoration for the residents of Randutatah Village.
Transforming History into a Premier Destination
The name “Greenthing” is both a tribute and a creative play on the original name, Grinting Hamlet. What was once a disaster-stricken area has been transformed into a welcoming tourist destination.
Access to the site is straightforward: visitors head toward the Nurul Jadid Paiton Islamic Boarding School, then travel approximately 3 kilometers north to the Randutatah Village Office; the beach is located directly behind the office complex.
A unique draw of this location is its abundance of shellfish. During low tide, visitors can engage in shellfish foraging, an experiential activity rarely found at other beaches in Probolinggo.
Additionally, the panoramic sunsets during the dry season have made the beach a popular hub for youth and students to relax and enjoy the coastal ambiance.
Assessing the Economic Impact on Village Prosperity
Managed by the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) Duta Bahari, Greenthing Beach has established a new financial ecosystem in Randutatah.
While there is no formal entrance fee, the management generates revenue through vehicle maritime services, charging Rp 5,000 for motorcycles and Rp 10,000 for cars.
With an average of 100–180 visitors on weekdays and up to 400 on weekends, the circulation of capital within the area is substantial.
The broader economic impact is evidenced by the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the tourist zone. Local residents now have the opportunity to sell food, beverages, and seafood directly to tourists.
Furthermore, the introduction of fiber boats allows BUMDes to offer 800-meter mangrove river tours, proving that tourism not only benefits the village collectively but also enhances individual purchasing power through new entrepreneurial opportunities.
Balancing Tourism and Coastal Conservation
As the beach was born from a history of land loss, ecological integrity is the top priority. Management recognizes that the environmental impact of tourism must be strictly monitored to prevent a recurrence of past disasters.
Public education is a cornerstone of this strategy. Large-scale coastal cleanup initiatives involving hundreds of participants and the Environmental Agency (DLH) demonstrate a firm commitment to mitigating plastic waste. Notable infrastructure features include:
- Elevated Bamboo Bridges: These allow tourists to traverse the mangrove forest without damaging the sensitive root systems.
- Strategic Waste Management: Numerous disposal points have been placed to encourage responsible visitor behavior.
Synergy Between PT Paiton Energy and PT POMI in Mangrove Restoration
The development of Greenthing Beach focuses heavily on climate change mitigation. PT Paiton Energy and PT POMI have played a vital role through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.
In September 2022, this collaboration resulted in the planting of 3,000 mangrove seedlings. This is a critical step in carbon sequestration, as one hectare of mangrove forest can absorb approximately 110 kilograms of carbon, acting as a natural bulwark against global warming.
Corporate support extends beyond planting; it includes providing operational equipment such as a 7-passenger fiber boat, waste carts, and beach furniture. This synergy aims to create a self-sustaining “Tourism Village” where recreational functions coexist seamlessly with ecological preservation.
The development of Greenthing Beach serves as a successful model of how a community can recover from the trauma of natural disaster through ecotourism.
Through prudent management, the economic impact has brought tangible prosperity to Randutatah, while massive conservation efforts ensure the environmental trajectory remains positive.
