Catarina Wahyu Dyah, doctorate student of Educational Science study program delivered her dissertation “Public Economic Empowerment Model through Training in Pioneering Tourism Village in Gunungkidul”. The research investigated and developed the public economic empowerment through training in the pioneering village.

Apart from the aim of obtaining a model of public economic enablement involving training in Gunungkidul, the study also aimed to validate, evaluate, and determine the effectivity of the empowerment model.

Using research and development approach, the study involved the manager and people of Gunungkidul pioneering village. Required data was collected through qualitative and quantitative method, involving village manager, experts, and the people. Observation, interview, and documentation methods were used in collecting the needed data. Collected data was then triangulated and analyzed using statistical tools, such as Aiken’s V, means, and paired sample T-test.

The study resulted in several important points. First, the model’s instrument met the experts’ validity criteria.  Second, the model was feasible in terms of input, training process, and output. Third, the model was proven practical. From introduction, main event, simulation, evaluation of the training surpassed good practicality criteria. Fourth, the model was effective, shown by the increment of participants’ understanding after attending the training.

The study concluded that the empowerment model developed by Catarina Wahyu Dyah was feasible, practical, and effective. The model is recommended for local government to develop local villages so that the local economy will also be improved.