Potential and Strategy of Ecotourism Development in Lae Mbilulu Pakpak Bharat Regency

Abstract

Ecotourism is one of the tourism sub-sectors that are visited by many tourists. The government and local communities must cooperate in the development of ecotourism. Pakpak Bharat Regency, with an area of 80.51% is forest area, has great potential for the development of the ecotourism sector. Lae Mbilulu Waterfall is an ecotourism that has great potential in improving the welfare of local communities while taking into account the ecological, economic and sociocultural factors of the community. This research was conducted from September to October 2021 in Lae Mbilulu, Prongil Village, Pakpak Bharat Regency. This study aims to explain the potential, perceptions and strategies of ecotourism development in Lae Mbilulu. The research method was carried out with a qualitative descriptive which was a case study. Data was collected by means of field surveys and interviews using questionnaires to 100 respondents consisting of 50 community respondents and 50 tourist visitor respondents. Data were analyzed using the SWOT method. The results of the analysis show that community participation in tourism activities is still relatively low (33%), because ecotourism is managed directly by the Department of Tourism and Culture. The participation of visitors in maintaining cleanliness is good (74%). Respondents' perceptions of ecotourism development including access, facilities, cleanliness, promotion are still not optimal. All respondents agreed to immediately repair road access to tourist objects. Utilization of media as a means of promotion must be done immediately to increase tourist arrivals to Lae Mbilulu. The results of the SWOT analysis for the Lae Mbilulu ecotourism development strategy are in Quadrant I by implementing the Strength-Opportunities (SO) strategy. The priority of SO's strategy is the development of ecotourism by involving local communities more. Its management, must be carried out in terms of preserving the environment, increasing educational value and maximizing local wisdom.