The problematic implementation of community-based ecotourism in Indonesia: A case study in ecotourism of Gili Labak-East Java

Abstract

This study aimed at analyzing the implementation of Community-Based Ecotourism (CBE) principles in managing the Ecotourism of Gili Labak, East Java. This study was qualitative and descriptive. The primary data were obtained through observation and interview to certain informants (management team, tour guide, sellers/shopkeepers, lodging and rental owners, local citizen, travel agent, local academicians, local government), while the secondary data were gained from apposite literature and government regulation documents. This study was conducted over a year, from January to December 2018. The research results showed that, generally, the CBE principles were not seriousely implemented yet in the ecotourism management of Gili Labak. Conservation principles were not considered important by the management team, and this was neglected as their focus was concentrated on their efforts to attract tourists and as many as possible. In addition, there was also an inadequacy in culture conserving efforts and the lack of knowledge and skill of the management team related to this issue. This study is essential for the ecotourism discourse, community development, and environmental education, and in cultivating students’ basic skills in planning, developing, managing and marketing of certain ecotourism attractiveness to support sustainable development initiatives. The CBE study in Indonesia, mainly in East Java was limited. There has been no CBE study in Gili Labak. This study is valuable for these endeavors in developing the conservation of the ecotourism area and in determining a proper policy by the Indonesian government which can contribute to great benefits for the local community.

Keywords

• community-based ecotourism
• conservation
• gili labak
• small islands
• sustainable development