Community Participation in Tourism Development in the Tanjung Lesung Special Economic Zone, Banten Province

Abstract

Community participation is highly needed in supporting the development programs of Tanjung Lesung Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Community participation has a positive effect on the development of leading tourist zones in Banten Province. The role of local communities in tourism activities has been widely developed, for example, the concept of Community Based Tourism. This study has purposed to identify community readiness for the development of SEZ, analyze community empowerment programs carried out by SEZ, and analyze the form of local community participation in tourism development. The local communities around SEZ are ready to support new activities that will grow in their area. A total of 92.31% of respondents agreed to collaborate and develop Floating fish cage/Lift Net/Pond as a tourist destination. In addition, the community also felt a positive impact from the existence and activities of tourism in SEZ, covering economic improvement, social life, and cultural influence of the community. The most dominant community participation is in the program support and becoming a partner in tourism activities. The local community also felt the cooperation and assistance provided by the Tanjung Lesung SEZ, covers compensation for orphans, the contribution of clean water facilities, and repair & arrangement of Floating Fish Cage/Lift Net/Pond to be used as a tourist destination. This study shows that the level of participation in the tourist area is at level 6 (partnership). The community and managers have mutual dependence to achieve the community welfare of the Tanjung Lesung SEZ.