Sustainable Tourism Development In Berau: A Creative Economy Approach To Inclusivity

Abstract

Tourism has a strategic role for the Indonesian economy through its contribution to the formation of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), foreign exchange earnings and employment. Kaniungan Island Tourism Area is one of the leading tourism destinations in East Kalimantan. However, analytical data shows that the tourism sector has not had an optimal impact on improving the welfare of the community around the tourist area. In improving the optimization of the role of tourism in the economy and community welfare, it is necessary to develop a sustainable and inclusive tourism development based on an adequate understanding of the characteristics of the conditions and constraints faced by creative economy-based MSME business actors in the tourism sector. The development needs to be supported by appropriate financing and investment schemes. The methods used in this research are; descriptive analysis and A'WOT analysis (SWOT and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)). Primary data was obtained based on direct interviews with 12 expert resource persons consisting of local government, village government, Berau DPRD, banks, academics, and local entrepreneurs. Secondary data came from several official government agencies at the central, provincial, and regional and village levels. As well as, using questionnaires to 121 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The results of the study using AWOT analysis show that, namely: (1). Form island regulations in accordance with strategic policy directions to support the improvement of a conducive investment climate. (2). Facilitate investment forums to accelerate and increase ecotourism business financing in accordance with user preferences (3). Adequate management of tourism areas with sustainable concepts by being aware of social, economic, cultural and environmental concepts. (4). Improving access to adequate infrastructure to improve the investment climate which has an impact on increasing tourism visits. (5). Facilitation of collaborative forums for stakeholder partnerships to improve SMEs, local governments, business/private actors, universities and NGOs (6). Preparation of a business plan for sustainable and equitable ecotourism management. (7). Improving the institutional and human resource capacity of both the government, tourist attraction managers and the community with various trainings in the field of tourism.