Balikpapan - Through the 2026 K46 Social Innovation Programme, students of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan developed an information and reservation website to address limited promotional access and improve visitor services at Tanjung Gading Tourism Area in North Balikpapan. Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) continues to encourage students to apply science and technology in addressing real challenges faced by communities. This commitment was demonstrated through the development of the Tanjung Gading Tourism Reservation Website for the tourism area located at KM 12, RT 17, Karang Joang Subdistrict, North Balikpapan District.

The innovation was initiated in response to the potential of Tanjung Gading Tourism Area, which had not yet been supported by an adequate publication platform or reservation service. Previously, information regarding its location, operating hours, facilities, rental prices, and overall environment was scattered and difficult for prospective visitors to access. As a result, visitors often had to contact the management directly to obtain basic information. At the same time, limited promotional channels prevented the destination from reaching a wider audience.

To address these challenges, ITK students developed a web-based platform that integrates promotion, visitor information, and reservation services into one system. The website was designed with a simple and user-friendly interface so that it can be easily accessed by both visitors and tourism managers. Through the homepage, visitors can obtain an overview of Tanjung Gading Tourism Area. The available information includes the destination profile, location, operating hours, site conditions, and various attractions that can be enjoyed during a visit.

The website also provides information about available facilities, including gazebos, pavilions, recreational areas, photo spots, and other supporting amenities. This information is complemented by visual documentation, allowing prospective visitors to better understand the destination before planning their visit. To strengthen promotional efforts, the students also developed a tourism gallery featuring natural scenery, the atmosphere of the area, available facilities, and visitor activities. The gallery serves as a digital showcase that helps introduce Tanjung Gading to a broader audience.

One of the website’s main features is its online reservation service. Through this feature, visitors can enter their names, select a preferred visit date, specify the number of visitors, and choose the facilities they wish to use. The reservation request can then be forwarded directly to the tourism management through WhatsApp. This feature makes the booking process more practical and organised. Visitors can confirm facility availability before arriving, while tourism managers receive clearer visitor information to support service preparation and operational planning.

The development of this website has resulted not only in a digital product but also in direct benefits for tourism managers and the surrounding community. The platform can help expand tourism promotion, improve access to information, and support more organised visitor services. This innovation reflects the spirit of Diktisaintek Berdampak, in which learning in higher education extends beyond the classroom and is applied to solve real problems in society. Students are present not only as learners, but also as contributors to change through relevant and practical solutions.

Through the Tanjung Gading Tourism Reservation Website, ITK is contributing to the digital transformation of the local tourism sector. This initiative is expected to become an important first step towards creating a destination that is more informative, accessible, and adaptive to technological development. From the campus to the community, ITK student innovation demonstrates how higher education can create meaningful and lasting impact.