The Kapuas Hulu Regency Government in West Kalimantan Province is currently focusing on developing tourism potential through the concept of "desa wisata" (tourism villages) to boost the local economy through the tourism sector. According to Abang Chairul Saleh, Head of the Department of Youth, Sports, and Tourism in Kapuas Hulu, the status of tourism villages provides broader promotional opportunities, especially through the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy's tourism village network website. Chairul emphasized the crucial role of villages in harnessing tourism potential, citing Kapuas Hulu's rich natural and cultural heritage as attractive tourism destinations. Most of the tourism sites in villages showcase natural wonders such as waterfalls, rapids, and other unique landscapes, complemented by local customs and cultural traditions.
Kapuas Hulu currently boasts several potential tourism villages, including Rantau Kalis Village in Kalis Sub-District, Menua Sadap Village in Embaloh Hulu Sub-District, Riam Piang Village in Bunut Hulu Sub-District, Nanga Leboyan Village in Selimbau Sub-District, Tani Makmur Village in Jongkong Sub-District, and Melemba Village in Batang Lupar Sub-District.In 2023, Kampung Semangit Nanga Leboyan in Selimbau Sub-District received recognition for winning a photography competition for tourism villages in West Kalimantan, representing Kapuas Hulu Regency. Chairul reiterated the commitment to encourage villages to develop their tourism potential and apply for tourism village status, in line with Kapuas Hulu Regency Regulation No. 27 of 2022 regarding Tourism Villages. The local government of Kapuas Hulu is dedicated to both tourism development and village empowerment, recognizing that tourism development falls under the jurisdiction of villages based on the Regent's Regulation No. 9 of 2016 concerning the origin and authority of villages.
