Study on Ecotourism Development in Kapota Island Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province

Home , Southeast Sulawesi, Wakatobi National Park

E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322

Wijaya1 and Janianton Damanik2

1Researcher at the Center for Tourism Studies, UGM 2Senior Researcher at the Center for Tourism Studies, UGM

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Received The current paper aims to identify the distribution of ecotourism 3 September 2020 attractions, identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats Accepted of ecotourism development, as well as formulate appropriate 18 September 2020 development strategies. Qualitative descriptive analysis was employed Available online by relying on various methodologies including direct observation, 30 September 2020 unstructured interview, focus group discussion, and documentation study. It was found that Kapota Island possesses tremendous ecotourism resources and potentials due to its abundant biodiversity, such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, beaches, dive spots, cave, lake, landscapes, customary and traditional culture, as well as historical

heritages. The island’s diversity and uniqueness remain pristine/maintained due to the support given by the Wakatobi National Park Office (Balai Taman Nasional Wakatobi – TNW), customary institutions, and local communities. Accordingly, future development

strategies include: (a) integration in the development of ecotourism destinations, local island based industry, collaborative marketing through digital tourism and organization of local operators; (b) orientation towards community based ecotourism to strengthen empowerment and participation of local communities; (c) capacity building of ecotourism actors and operators (tourism awareness group, Kapota customary institution, and Village Owned Enterprise administrators); and (d) increase of collaborative capacity among stakeholders.

Keywords: Conservation, Development, Ecotourism, Kapota Island

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INTRODUCTION areas was at 411,689 visitors per annum, with a growth rate of 13.84% annually in The government’s attention to take the last 5 years (Directorate General of advantage of Indonesia’s ecotourism Natural Resources and Ecosystem continues to rise due to its immense Conservation, KLHK, 2019). potentials and the existence of 54 national The trend of domestic tourist visits parks (Ministry of Environment and to conservation areas also continue to rise. Forestry - KLHK, 2019). Most ecotourism During the 2015-2019 period, as many as destinations are located in conservation 31.866 million domestic tourists had visited areas that not only have biodiversity various conservation areas (KLHK, 2019). potential, but natural beauty potential as In 2019, as many as 7.464 million domestic well (KLHK, 2019). visitors were recorded, which is an increase Data from KLHK (2019) shows that of 7.88% or 544,920 visitors compared to the total of conservation land areas in the previous year. It is assumed that the Indonesia has currently reached 27.134 attraction of natural potentials with its million hectares, which are distributed into immense biodiversity had been one of the 554 units of conservation areas. These determining factors in the increase of conservation areas are accordingly visitors. distributed and specified as follows: (a) Domestic tourist visits to strict nature reserve 16%; (b) wildlife conservation areas can serve as a huge asset reserve 18%; (c) nature recreation park 3%; in the development of ecotourism and (d) hunting park 1%; (e) grand forest park nature tourism throughout Indonesia, since 1%; (f) national park 60%; and (g) nature the number of domestic tourists has reserve/nature conservation area 1%. experienced an upsurge in the last 3 years. Facts indicate that foreign tourist Tangkuban Perahu Nature Recreation Park, visits to conservation areas continue to West Java ranked as the most visited in positively increase. During the 2015-2019 2019 with as many as 913,641 visitors due period, as many as 2.059 million foreign to its easy access and proximity to the tourists were recorded to have visited tourists’ places of origin. By correlating conservation areas, wherein nearly 20% of these visits with the amount of Non-Tax them visited in 2019. Komodo National State Revenue (Pendapatan Nasional Park recorded the highest number of Bukan Pajak – PNBP), the total visitors in 2019 at 144,073 visitors. The contribution of ecotourism in 2019 is average foreign tourist visit to conservation

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 301 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 calculated to have reached IDR 169.555 Tourism Destinations. Such recognition billion (KLHK, 2019). serves as a strong and strategic institutional One of the conservation and framework to create a tourism development ecotourism areas in Southeast Sulawesi plan on the islands. In tune with the above, Province is the Island of Kapota in the Wakatobi Regency Tourism Master Wakatobi National Park (WNP). WNP is Plan (2015) asserts Kapota as one of the included as a part of the world’s coral strategic Regional Tourism Development triangle (WWF, 2017) and one of Areas under the theme of ecotourism and Indonesia’s 54 national parks (KLHK, conservation. 2019). These islands function as a habitat to The environment of Kapota Island over 590 species of fish and 396 types of remains natural along with its coastal coral reefs with exceedingly high value in village areas and various attractions for conserving the marine ecosystem. Such marine ecotourism activities, which are abundant biodiversity has consequently led considered to be of utmost excellence due to UNESCO establishing the national park to its rich biodiversity and lush natural as one of the world’s biosphere reserve in resources. For the purpose of integrated 2012 (Muhtadi, 2012). development, it can serve as a single The park is a marine protected area ecotourism destination cluster coupled with that consists of four main islands, namely Hoga Island and Onemobaa Island, which Wangi-Wangi Island, Kaledupa Island, have been more frequented by foreign Tomia Island, and Binongko Island with tourists. 97% marine area and merely 3% land area. Nonetheless, based on observations In addition to the four major islands, there in the field, a number of fundamental issues are smaller inhabited and uninhabited were found in the context of ecotourism islands. WWF took stock of the number of destination development. Studies islands in the area in 2006 and identified as pertaining to potentials, identification of many as 22 islands being included in the challenges, opportunities, and threats of WNP area, including the Island of Kapota development, lack of amenities, basic (Sumarno, 2016). infrastructure, and even the relatively Governmental Regulation No. 50 limited quality of human resources. A Year 2011 concerning the National previous study found that potential conflict Tourism Master Plan places Wakatobi as in the management of the island is quite one of the National Tourism Strategic resilient (Sari, 2017) and it needs to be Areas and one of the 10 National Priority resolved. Consequently, tourism activities

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 302 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 in the area remained relatively stagnant and LITERATURE REVIEW surrounding communities have yet to reap ample benefit from such activities. The term ecotourism emerged at the The distribution of attraction sites end of the 1980s as a direct result of or spots, their strengths, weaknesses, worldwide reaction and recognition of opportunities, and threats when developing global ecological and sustainable practices are issues that need to be identified to begin (Diamantis, 1999). Historically speaking, development of these attractions. The lush the term ecotourism was adopted to natural resources potential (diversity of illustrate a phenomenon of nature tourism coral reefs and types of marine biotas, (Wallace & Pierce, 1996). In more detail, particularly fish, in the Islands of Wakatobi ecotourism refers to a concept or rank among the highest in the world – philosophy capable of guiding nature-based Supriatna, 2008) is only one of the strengths tourism management and planning (Stein, the island has. However, there is no 2004). Since the beginning, ecotourism has shortage of threats and weaknesses brought progressed consistently and extensively. As about by residential activities on land and a result, ecotourism is considered as the fishing models that are not in line with largest and fastest growing subcomponent conservation purposes (Yulius, et al., in the tourism industry (Dowling & 2015). By having a map that outlines the Fennell, 2003; Hawkins & Lamoureux, distribution of these sites, development 2001; WTTC, 2004). strategies that relate to the conditions of In general, scholars and these tourist attraction spots, their practitioners often cite the following two strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and definitions of ecotourism. The International threats may subsequently be formulated. Ecotourism Society (2005) defines The main objective of the current ecotourism as a form of responsible travel paper is to: (1) identify the distribution of to natural areas that conserves the ecotourism attractions; (2) identify environment and improves the wellbeing of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities/ local people. Ceballos-Lascurain and The chances, and threats in ecotourism World Conservation Union (1996) state development; and (3) formulate appropriate that ecotourism is environmentally development strategies by referring to the responsible travel and visitation to SWOT analysis results. relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy, study, and appreciate nature and any accompanying cultural features

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 303 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 both past and present, that promotes visitors than an artificial one (Wahab, conservation, has low negative visitor 1989). impact, and provides for beneficially active Thus, ecotourism is one of the socio-economic involvement of local forms of special tourism activities that is populations. These definitions are asserted distinguished from mass tourism. The by Western (1997); Arida, et al. (2014) special interest feature is most prominent, stating that ecotourism refers to tourism and seeking quality experience in a pristine activities that are responsible towards natural environment during a visitation is natural conservation. Ecotourism must be given precedence to features that expose able to create and satisfy the desire of hedonistic proclivities. In addition, nature by way of conserving, preserving the economic contribution to environmental ecology, and involving the active conservation and local communities by participation of tourists in every aspects of creating small and medium enterprises tend development. to be more dominant (Fandeli & The responsibility and conservation Mukhlison, 2000; Salazar, 2007). In a more aspects are reemphasized by Damanik & observable reality, the characteristics of Weber (2016) by defining ecotourism as ecotourism product and market are nature-based tourism activities that are educational and small-scale, respectively sustainable, managed distinctively, have a (Damanik & Weber, 2006). positive impact on the environment, locally In relation to this, from (cited by oriented, non-consumptive, and focus on Damanik & Weber, 2006) composed three experiences as well as education about more operational basic concepts for nature. Essentially, ecotourism refers to ecotourism. First, outdoor travel in natural travel and visitation to natural areas with areas that does not lead to environmental responsibility towards the natural degradation. In ecotourism activities, environment. The travel is aimed at people commonly use energy saving power enjoying and appreciating nature, and it is sources such as solar power, wood managed based on local principles for constructions, recycled materials, and conservation and educational purposes that water springs. Second, ecotourism involve local communities and all the activities prioritize the use of transportation cultural norms they possess (Arida, et al., facilities created and managed by 2014). Ultimately, an authentic communities. In principle, existing environment is always more appealing to accommodations are not an extension of international hotel chains and food dishes

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 304 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 offered are not made using imported activities at the community level and ingredients but locally based products associating them with the conservation of instead. There need to be benefits for local natural resources (Butcher, 2007). The idea communities so that ecotourism must criticizes and offers a new concept to the function as a potential instrument to development approach that is oriented improve social behaviors for environmental toward the exploitation of natural resources conservation purposes (Buckley, 2003). that threatens their sustainability and more Third, this kind of tourism travel pays inclined to pay little attention to the active significant attention to the natural role of local residents. The features environment and local culture. Visitors mentioned in the later are most likely normally learn a lot from local communities attached to mass tourism (Marzouki, et al., about culture and nature, and not be 2012). In the context of ecotourism, the patronizing them instead. elementary concept proposed involves The context of locally based protection of the environment, utilization of products is heavily emphasized in the local facilities, significant attention and development of ecotourism due to its orientation to local culture and environment principle of highlighting local features, (Arida and Rohman, 2019). particularly the empowerment of local Ecotourism can be considered as a communities. This includes labor, basic development activity that involves a wide infrastructural improvements (Scheyvens, range of stakeholders. The local 1999), food ingredients, construction community holds a central position as any materials, and even the use of local changes that occur in the ecotourism area currency (Panos Media Briefing, 1995). directly affects their life and livelihood Hirotsune (2011) affirms there are three (Fennel, 2002; Khalid, et al., 2019). The interconnected keywords in ecotourism, local government consisting of various namely: conservation of nature and culture, bureaucratic entities, business actors or contribution of benefits to local residents, investors, and the visitors themselves have and development opportunities through varying interests that may subsequently ecotourism. create misinterpretations about the context The emphasis on the locality aspect of ecotourism development (Butcher, is inseparable from the idea of neo- 2007). Eusebio et al. (2018) found, among populism that has been developing in the others, that the intensity of visitors’ last few decades. Neo-populism is oriented relationship with local communities and the toward placing the entire development location they visit leads to a positive public

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 305 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 perception regarding ecotourism local communities; (3) Wakatobi National development. Park, the regional government, and local Accordingly, the development of communities jointly established a Tourism ecotourism potential in a region needs to be Awareness Group (Kelompok Sadar Wisata based upon a critical assessment of all the – Pokdarwis) as an institutional umbrella advantages and disadvantages that its that is expected to be capable of running existing elements have. Rich natural their ecotourism management practices resources do indeed serve as a prominent properly. basis of development in the region, but the Community engagement in optimal role of investors or the private ecotourism management is considered low sector can accelerate achievement of throughout all stages of development. In the ecotourism development results (Snyman, planning stage, the total average of 2017). In terms of supporting capacity, the community engagement was only at 4.65 aspect of site distribution is crucial so that (on a scale of 100), while the ecotourism activities can reduce negative implementation stage was at 11.35, and the impacts and enhance visitor satisfaction monitoring stage at 3.85. Such low (Sadikin et al., 2017). This implies that community engagement was influenced by development of ecotourism potential several factors such as lack of information requires synchronization between various disclosure relating to ecotourism advantages and limited existing resources. development, weak coordination and Nasrun (2016) found that the communication among ecotourism ecotourism management model in stakeholders, minimum public Wakatobi had been carried out in three understanding about ecotourism, and stages, namely: (1) Wakatobi National Park existing dynamics of local politics. established the Banakawa Forestry and Rural Extension Center (Sentra METHODS Penyuluhan Kehutanan Perdesaan – SPKP) to identify and map out ecotourism Kapota Island, Wakatobi Regency potentials, and empower local was selected as the location for the current communities; (2) The Ministry of Tourism study, which employed the qualitative and Wakatobi Regional Tourism Office descriptive method. The location was collaborated with local organizations to chosen based on the ecotourism resources prepare facilities and infrastructure that available on the island, namely its rich support ecotourism activities and empower biodiversity. Rafika (2011) found various

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 306 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 tourism destinations that include physical- community figures, and local government biological elements, historical heritages, officials with varying time and duration. arts, culinary delight, and handicrafts. Focus group discussion was purposely These destinations are supported by seven selected as a method since it allows connecting pathways, which consist of six researchers to gather more abundant data terrestrial paths and one aquatic path. The than those collected from any other method use of the qualitative method is deemed (Afiyanti, 2008, Nyumba, et al., 2018). appropriate to elaborate the status of a SWOT analysis was chosen since collection of people, subjects, a set of the current study is a preliminary step to conditions, through systems or even current drafting a strategic plan. It is used to events with the purpose of creating a identify and examine existing resources systematic illustration or description, and internally and externally, their patterns and relationship among the examined tendencies that may have either positive or phenomena (Nazir, 2011). Ecotourism negative impacts on a business entity correlates with people and the environment (Namugenyia, et al., 2019), including along with all the impacts that relationship regional government unit. SWOT analysis between the two induces. provides a clearer outline on how the Field research was conducted twice strategies for future ecotourism in April and June of 2018 in order to obtain development on Kapota Island should be. a more comprehensive description about the subject of study. Before conducting the RESULTS AND DISCUSSION field survey, data from various documents published by Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Distribution of Ecotourism Attraction Wakatobi Regional Government, Ministry Generally, there are three factors of Village, Development of Disadvantaged that keep the island relatively better Regions, and Transmigration (Kemendesa), preserved from rapid environmental and the internet were collected to acquire a degradation. First, the local community general outline of the region. Non- remains reluctant to turn the area into a participant observation was employed on conventional tourism site, with ecotourism potentials (beaches, craft constructions of hotels, resorts, and other activities, modes of transport, tourists, and facilities. This is due to the strong role that so forth) during the field survey. In-depth Kapota customary institution has in interviews were conducted to obtain data controlling the land. Most of the areas in from residents, business actors, NGOs, and around the island are included as

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 307 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 customary land that cannot easily change of abundance in natural resources, culture, function, subsequently resulting in a arts, tradition, and history. The condition of relatively well maintained traditional, the shoreline that runs along the island is cultural, and natural authenticity. Second, characterized by beautiful coastal the island is located within the marine landscapes filled with healthy sea corals protected area of WNP established by the and clean, unpolluted sea waters. In Ministry of Environment and Forestry, addition, there are 20 snorkeling and diving which consequently allows it to maintain a spots located around the island that visitors strong formal legal authority for conserving can enjoy (WWF, 2017). Several its cultural and natural assets. agricultural, forestry, and fishery potentials Third, monitoring and support may also be utilized to support culinary provided by international non-government tourism and various handicrafts, including organizations to maintain the national park local cultural rituals that continue to be conservation area. The position of the maintained to this day. island, which is in close proximity to the Kapota considers ecotourism as a regency’s capital, surely pose both potential product of excellence—supported advantages and challenges to regional by crafts. Ecotourism attractions are quite development. The challenges include rather varied and based on flora and fauna, natural sensitive environmental issues, which lake, natural cave, spring water, beaches, continue to be scrutinized by ecotourism arts and culture, as well as historical market on both national and global scales. heritages. There are as many as 16 flora Despite the existing legal prohibition of species and 23 fauna species that can attract extractive industrial activities, threats of visitors. Other biophysical attractions, such environmental degradation continue to rise as Tailaronto’oge Lake, Dewata Cave, Oa from economic activities, including tourism Wolio & Batu Sahu’u Beaches, and activities that are not based upon sensitivity Kolowowa Beach, add to the diversity of toward marine resources. Domestic wastes these potential attractions (Table 1). coming from the island and outside of it are also among one of those challenges. When ecotourism destination management is applied as a basis, these challenges will become great opportunities to develop the island area. The basic asset of attraction is already available in the form

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Table 1. Ecotourism Attractions in Kapota Island

Beaches, Diving Historical Sites Crafts and Flora Fauna Spots, Lake, and and Culture Culinary Treats Cave

• 16 flora species 23 bird • Around Wangi- • Katiama • Arts of (bamboo, species, 2 Wangi and Fort bamboo orchid, mammal Kapota reefs, as • Togo weaving and moringa, species, 3 many as 20 Molengo Leja sarong coconut, reptile diving spots are Old Town weave morinda, species and recorded • Banakawa • Traditional mangrove, sea butterflies) • Tailoronto’oge Rock dance grass, coral Lake • Sacred sites, • Customary reefs) • Kolowowa Saru’sarua celebrations • 7 species of sea Beach (place for called Karia grass. • Oa Wolio and ancestral (circumcisio • 25 species of Watu Suhu’u spirits of n process for coral reefs—23 Beach Kapota boys), species • Osuno Beach community), somboa categorized as • Kampa Beach Laudina, (seclusion hard coral • Timur Beach Watululu, ceremony (Acropora) and • Dewata Cave and Watu for girls 2 species (Bats) ndengu- reaching a categorized as • Kolowowa ndengu matured soft coral (non Spring • Kolo and age), and Acropora) kansoda’a • Dolphin Kapota (closing attractions Tourism Village ceremony for the entire series of events) • Kabuenga Celebration (ayunan): a matchmakin g forum. • Culinary dish: kasuami

Source: RPKP Wakatobi Regency, 2018

Numerous ecotourism attractions villages relatively vary and they are in need are distributed throughout North Kapota of much organization. Village (15 sites), Kapota Village (8 sites), Thus, in order to develop the area, Kabita Togo Village (3 sites), Kabita these ecotourism attractions need to be Village (6 sites), and Kolo Tourism Village supported by availability of tourism (3 sites). The characteristics of these facilities, particularly amenities to meet

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 309 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 visitors’ needs. In further detail, the exceedingly lacking on the island. As conditions of existing facilities are an example, there is only limited described as follows. information provided in and around the (a) Standard accommodation facilities are lake and fort areas, so there is no still unavailable as of current, and knowledge shared or acquired during consequently visitors’ accommodation visitation to these areas. The existing needs are merely fulfilled by local information board has also begun to residential house owners on a limited deteriorate due to lack of maintenance. scale. Kapota to date has been There are a few exceptions, wherein developed as a supplementary tourist some supporting tourism facilities have attraction spot for the town of Wanci, been provided in Tailaronto’oge Lake, which renders its potential in providing such as a multipurpose building, facilities to become relatively gazebo, toilet, and footpath. However, disadvantaged. Through the provision travelers on foot need to be cautious of limited assistance by Pokdarwis, since the condition of the wooden several residential homes have begun to bridge on the lake side is unsafe. Some be prepared as embryonic homestays parts of the bridge are broken or holey, along with facilities and services that which may endanger visitors. The are still rudimentary (Interview with crucial point in this case is proper Head of Greater Kapota Pokdarwis, maintenance of facilities that have been 2018). constructed through either government, (b) The opportunity for culinary businesses private, or community funding. to operate is actually available, but Accordingly, facilities need to be people have not invested in it as a maintained thoroughly for the sake of permanent business. Restaurants the island’s sustainability. remain unavailable on the island. It is Another facility that support commonplace for visitors who happen ecotourism development is transportation to drop by the island to ask for that connects visitors from, to, and during assistance from local residents to their stay at the destination site, be it provide them with food or they may through land, sea, or air. These bring their own. transportation accesses not only deal with (c) Availability of information, signposts, the aspect of quantity, but quality, locations, and translations are essential punctuality, comfort, and safety as well elements for tourists, and these are (Damanik & Weber, 2006). Transportation

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 310 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 connectivity facility on the island is as one of the strategies to conserve natural provided in the form of a harbor— resources. Support is also given by the residents’ main access to go in and out of regional government concerning Kapota Island. The harbor connects the ecotourism development of Kapota Island town of Wanci and Kapota, and it is a vital as explicitly stipulated in official facility for tourism activities and economic documents, namely the Regional Spatial activities of people in general. The town Plan (RTRW) for the 2012-2032 period, remains lively with activities of residents Regional Mid-Term Development Plan embarking and disembarking the boats (RPJMD) for the 2016-2021 period, and the (called “jonson” in the local vernacular). It Regional Tourism Development Master is also an interesting spot where people can Plan (Ripparda) for the 2016-2026 period. view the town of Wanci across the island. Given the strengths described in the Nonetheless, there are several above passage, the Kapota Island area is factors that do not support visitors’ needs in considered to have the opportunity of being the area. First, tourists are unable to find developed into an ecotourism destination in standard gift shops or restaurants. It is line with ecotourism principles. These difficult to spend a night and stay over on principles, among others, include: (a) the island, let alone for several nights, since conservation principle; (b) local there is also a risk of not being able to get community engagement principle; (c) proper meals. Second, there is no appealing economic principle (by acquiring direct spot that can be set as a place for visitors to financial benefits for conservation purposes take pictures at. As the main gateway to the through contributions or extra expenses island, facilities that can provide positive from visitors); (d) educational principle (by first impressions to visitors should be made offering experiences and knowledge); and available. (e) tourism principle (by creating a sense of safety and comfort, as well as provide SWOT Analysis of Ecotourism satisfaction along with valuable Development experiences to visitors) (Suhandi, 2020). a. Strengths Strengths are indicated, among b. Weaknesses others, by the support that the Wakatobi Ecotourism requires very basic National Park Office and Kapota customary facilities and infrastructure to make it easier institution have continued to provide. The for tourists to engage in their activities. National Park Office considers ecotourism Factually speaking, the current conditions

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 311 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 of the tourism infrastructure and facilities should be carried out in the area does not are still insufficient. This is the main seem to be well designed as of yet. weakness. The quantity and quality of Availability of human resources to exceedingly limited facilities are apparent manage ecotourism attractions is also from the availability (or lack) of limited in both quantity and quality. The restaurants, homestay, road access to current study was unable to find any local tourism sites, as well as equipment for tourism activist with a professional snorkeling and scuba diving on the island. background on ecotourism and As an example, out of the hundreds of conservation. This tends to consequently residential houses, only eight met the undermine the crucial role that ecotourism minimum standards required for a holds as one of the movers of island area homestay. Meanwhile, some of the conservation and economy, since insufficient infrastructure observed ecotourism actually plays a key role in the included public washing, bathing, and toilet region. Suhandi (2020) asserts that facilities (MCK), tourist transportation in ecotourism maintains four roles. First, the area, parking area, clean water, and ecotourism creates businesses that are electricity. These limited conditions have sustainable, ecofriendly, sensitive to socio- rendered Kapota underprovided to facilitate cultural issues in the community, and the basic needs of tourists. economically feasible. Second, ecotourism Furthermore, a classic weakness is functions as one of the means to create the operators’ lack of budget and human quality tourism experiences and enhance resource capacity. Although a basic plan is knowledge about nature, historical available, its implementation is hampered heritages, and culture. Third, ecotourism by limited fund. Such embryonic serves as a media to boost local economy ecotourism activities merely depend on and create funding mechanism for sheer natural attractions without any conserving biodiversity and preserving packaging made based on a well-defined culture. Fourth, ecotourism raises the and measured program. If a tourist were to awareness of operators and visitors alike arrive, they would not find any series of about the standards of sanitation and health tourism activities with a description about in tourism—as well as about the their type, frequency, and duration. It can conservation of natural resources, culture, be said that nature’s abundance has marked and values of tradition knowledge in the the island as an ecotourism attraction. community. These four key points have not Nevertheless, how ecotourism activities

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 312 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 been realized due to the lack of human programs from the central government have resources. reached the Island of Kapota. Among them Another weakness is that online are provided by the Ministry of Tourism based promotion media (digital tourism) and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), has not been conducted earnestly and such as the construction of the wooden people still rely on conventional media in bridge surrounding Lake Tailaronto’oge the form of leaflets and booklets. At a spanning for ±1 km, assistance in preparing glance, it may be difficult to understand that Wakatobi Regency’s Rural Area in the current digital era there is still a lack Development Plan (Rencana of digital technology utilization. However, Pembangunan Kawasan Perdesaan – according to an informant, this is a result of RPKP) with Kapota Island as its locus low human resource capacity and lack of (2018), and the development of the island’s promotional budget, and promotional traditional market area in 2019 by the matters are handed over to business actors Ministry of Villages and Development of from outside of the region. Subsequently, Disadvantaged Regions, and community participation in ecotourism Transmigration (Kemendesa). Moreover, development within the island area remains the Ministry of Public Works and Public low. Such conditions, as stated by Sari Housing (Kemen PUPR) had also (2017), implies that tourism has not come constructed roads on the island to facilitate into contact with the fabrics of Kapota’s the flow of goods and people. Another social life, and residents are neither opportunity refers to the consequences involved directly nor indirectly since they brought about by the establishment of do not have access to information about Wakatobi as one of the National Tourism tourism and ways of marketing their Strategic Areas and one of the 10 National tourism potentials to the wider public. Priority Tourism Destinations. Furthermore, another opportunity is c. Opportunity the trend of the global and national The opportunity for ecotourism ecotourism market. At the global level, the development is quite significant, which is growth of the ecotourism market has been not unlike the central government’s support recorded to be far higher than the entire to the development of island areas. Strong tourism market. Based on an analysis by policy support is one of the determining The International Ecotourism Society factors in tourism development (Jenkins, (Damanik and Weber, 2006), the growth of 2015). As of current, tourism development the ecotourism market is approximately

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 313 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322 between 10-30 percent per annum. “The potential for coastal abrasion Nationally speaking, foreign tourist disasters has also increased due to visitations to conservation areas (where rampant sand mining. That is done by ecotourism is applied) in Indonesia people from here and outside [the continue to climb in the 2015-2019 period, island]. The impacts are starting to be which recorded as many as 2.059 million felt […], toppled coconut palm trees on visitors. This is also the case for the number the shores, collapsed roads. If this is of domestic tourists visiting conservation ignored, the tourism area status is gone sites, which also continued to rise during …. It will be more difficult to protect the 2015-2019 period, totaling as many as the environment around here”. 31.866 million visitors (KLHK, 2019). Another threat that needs to be These numbers indicate that ecotourism is anticipated is potential conflicts concerning predicted to be a highly prospective tourism the excessive utilization of natural market in the future. resources that will clash with conservation efforts conducted by the government. d. Threats The elaborations above are Threats may come from competing subsequently arranged into a matrix similar type of ecotourism destinations that pertaining to SWOT analysis on ecotourism have good quality, attractions, and services. development. The SWOT analysis matrix is Another threat is the advent of external presented in its entirety in Table 2 below. human resources that may be more competent and professional in the field of ecotourism business/services as they may gradually replace local human resources. In addition, there are also issues relating to environmental degradation caused by abrasion, development activities, and conflict of interests between conservation and utilization for ecotourism development. It is as mentioned by Informant 1 in the following passage.

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Table 2. Kapota Island Ecotourism Development SWOT Analysis Matrix Strengths-S Weaknesses-W • Various ecotourism attractions • Lack of public facilities and Internal based on nature, culture, infrastructure in the area (W1) historical heritages, culinary • Lack of ecotourism facilities in treats, and crafts (S1) the area (W2) • Relatively pristine (natural) • Lack of competent environment (S2) organization and human • Solid support by regional resources (W3) government (S3) • Lack of infrastructure • Solid support by Kapota development fund (W4) customary institution for • Lack of digital based (online) ecotourism development (S4) promotion media (W5) • Hospitality of Kapota community • Low local community (S5) participation (W6) Eksternal • Easy access from regional capital • Lack of maintenance to along with boats and harbor ecotourism facilities (W7) facilities (S6) Opportunities-O Strategies S-O Strategies W-O • Program/policy support • Developing attractions by using a • Improving public facilities and from central government priority scale (S1+O1+O2) infrastructure in the area (Kemenparekraf, Kemen • Enhancing attractions in the form (W1+W3+O1+O2) PUPR, Kemendesa, and of various ecotourism packages • Improving tourism facilities in KLHK) (O1) (S1+S2+S4+S6+O1+O2+O3) the area (W2+O1+O2) • Establishment of • Developing attraction packages • Building capacity of local Wakatobi as a National for arts, culture, crafts, and human resources through Tourism Strategic Area culinary treats trainings, internships, and (KSPN) and one of the (S1+S4+S5+O2+O3) comparative studies 10 National Priority • Engaging in (W3+O1+O2) Destinations (O2) collaboration/network, • Improving tourism promotion • National and global coordination, and synergy of through online media (digital ecotourism market trend programs among stakeholders tourism) (W5+O1+O2) remains open (O3) (S3+O1+O2) • Raising public awareness through the Tourism Awareness and Seven Enchantment programs (W7+O1+O2) Threats-T Strategies S-T Strategies W-T • New competing • Creating attraction products that • Improving the quality and ecotourism attractions differ from destinations in other uniqueness of attractions to with better quality of regions (S1+S2+T1) respond to competition service (T1) • Encouraging green activities and between existing destinations • Environmental tourism awareness campaigns (W4+T1) degradation due to continuously (S2+S4+T2) • Monitoring and maintaining abrasion and • Encouraging collaboration facilities constructed in development activities between local communities and ecotourism attractions (T2) the government (S3+S4+S5+T3) (W7+T2) • Conflict of interests between conservation and utilization by the community (T3) • Pandemic (T4) Source: Analysis Results, 2018

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Ecotourism Development Strategies two spots function as destinations Kapota Island’s ecotourism for tourists when visiting Kapota. development strategies refer to the SWOT 2. Packaging these attractions by analysis matrix by producing 4 (four) preparing various ecotourism alternatives, namely: (a) strategy SO (a packages. strategy that utilizes strengths to take 3. Developing attraction packages for advantage of opportunities); (b) strategy arts, culture, crafts, and culinary WO (a strategy that minimizes weaknesses treats. to take advantage of opportunities); (c) 4. Engaging in collaboration/network, strategy ST (a strategy that utilizes coordination, and synergy of strengths to address threats); and (d) programs among stakeholders. strategy WT (a strategy that minimizes b. Strategy WO (Weaknesses and weaknesses and prevents threats). Opportunities), which is a strategy that a. Strategy SO (Strengths and minimizes weaknesses (W) to take Opportunities), which is a strategy that advantage of opportunities (O), optimizes strengths (S) to take includes: advantage of opportunities (O), 1. Improving public facilities and includes: infrastructure in the area such as 1. Developing attractions by using a access to areas around the island, priority scale, namely clean water, electricity, waste Tailaronto’oge Lake and Oa Wolio management. Beach. The variety of attractions, 2. Improving tourism facilities in the totaling more or less 35 spots, is area, such as TIC, restaurants, relatively difficult to develop in lodging/homestay, snorkeling and unison due to lack of resources. diving equipment. Hence, a priority scale needs to be 3. Building human resource capacity determined. Tailaronto’oge Lake of local business actors and and Oa Wolio Beach are considered operators through trainings, as potential spots for development internships, and comparative due to easy access from Kapota studies. Relevant skill trainings for harbor, existing tourism facilities the community concerning issues like wooden bridge along the lake such as food packaging, crafts, side, gazebo, and the fact that these homestay, souvenirs, foreign language, tour guide, arts and

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culture, as well as Search and Cool, Beautiful, Friendly, and Rescue (SAR). In terms of the Memorable) programs. Kapota Sarong (Leja) product, it c. Strategy ST (Strengths and Threats), should be directed to: (a) maintain which is a strategy that utilizes cheap and easy to acquire supply of strengths (S) to address threats (T), raw materials; (b) conduct product includes: diversification; (c) develop 1. Creating attraction products that manufacturing technology; (d) differ from destinations in other improve institutional organization regions. (cooperatives or weavers group); 2. Encouraging greening activities and (e) enhance marketing efforts; (f) tourism awareness campaigns maintain business continuity continuously to both local through regeneration by resuming communities and visitors. the business (provide education 3. Encouraging conservation concerning the local community’s partnerships between the love of weaving); and (g) be given government and local communities. government support in the form of Reinforcing the concept and education and training, assistance in branding of Kapota ecotourism— providing production tools, capital development that is in harmony loan, participation in exhibitions, with the seven principles of patent protection (particularly for ecotourism. In this context, Kapota Leja sarong weaving product), and Island ecotourism needs to be fostering the community’s love of guided properly so that its craft products. development is in line or does not 4. Improving tourism promotion impede environmental conservation through online media (digital efforts as well as have a positive tourism). Other than promotion via impact in boosting local economy. digital media, the following stage is d. Strategy WT (Weaknesses and the need to facilitate collaboration Threats), which is a strategy that with travel agents, both domestic minimizes weaknesses (W) and and foreign. prevents threats (T), includes: 5. Raising public awareness through 1. Improving the quality and the Tourism Awareness and Seven uniqueness of attractions to face Enchantment (Safe, Orderly, Clean, http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot 317 e-ISSN: 2407-392X. p-ISSN: 2541-0857 E-Journal of Tourism Vol.7. No.2. (2020): 300-322

competition among existing ecological continuity in the future. The ecotourism destinations. strategies for ecotourism development in 2. Monitoring and maintaining Kapota Island are achieved by employing facilities that have been constructed an optimized offensive strategy, namely by in ecotourism attractions, such as utilizing all existing strengths and Tailaronto’oge Lake, and opportunities. Ecotourism development Dewata/Bat Cave. should be aligned with the community’s economic, cultural, and social conditions, CONCLUSION AND and it should not clash with the RECOMMENDATION conservation efforts that have been

conducted. Furthermore, strong The current study revealed that commitment and engagement of Kapota Island has various attractions as an stakeholders are key in the development of ecotourism destination. These attractions Kapota Island as an ecotourism destination are in the form of nature, culture, and even in Wakatobi Regency, in particular, and historical heritages distributed throughout Southeast Sulawesi, in general. the island. Ecotourism development in The recommendation, based on the Kapota, undoubtedly, remains weak, and it study results, is to suggest measures and has yet to touch upon the fabrics of social efforts to accelerate Kapota Island life. Infrastructure support, public facilities, ecotourism development. First, attractions and tourism facilities are still insufficient should be developed using a priority scale. for tourists. Such lacking conditions are Tailaronto’oge Lake is considered as the considered as one of the highest priority for development with the challenges/weaknesses in the efforts of support of cultural attractions. Second, developing ecotourism. An opportunity that concrete activity/program support provided may be developed by local communities is by all Pentahelix elements, namely the to encourage the involvement of strategic government, private sector, scholars, ecotourism business units as a way to communities, and media. empower people in the region. Third, public infrastructure, public The threat of environmental facilities, and tourism facilities in the area, degradation as a result of development on such as clean water, electricity, waste the island must be anticipated from the management, accommodation (lodging and onset since it may threaten the island’s restaurant), and other facilities should be coastal community’s socio-economic and improved. Fourth, opportunities and

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