Analysis of potential social conflicts in ecotourism development in the Lake Toba Region, North Sumatra

Abstract

The government has recently determined Lake Toba region to be developed as international tourism destination. However, quality of water of the lake has been deteriorated due to disposal of pollutants from various sources of which the caged fish aquaculture (KJA) is accused as the most important one. To improve the water quality condition the governor of North Sumatra has issued two decrees. One determines water quality of the lake as oligotrophic type and the other one determines the lake's maximum carrying capacity for the floating net cage industry (KJA) of 10,000 tons/year. These two regulations have put severe pressure those parties involved in polluting the lake, especially KJA industry whose current annual fish production of 60 thousand tons which is far above the limit, This study aims at mapping the conflicts arising in the development of ecotourism in Lake Toba and to formulate the resolution. The method used are the survey, in depth interview, and focus group discussion. The results of the study concluded that several conflicts arising in the Lake Toba area included: KJA actors with tourism actors; KJA actors with the Government; KJA community with KJA companies; local community with the Government; and between communities. There are several recommendations to address these conflicts, such as involving all stakeholders in the determination of the policy, revising the regulation of Governor of North Sumatra, strengthening the KJA owner group, and the development of eco-edu-Tourism.