Reappraisal Ecotourism Development in Karangsong Communities in Indonesia: Debates on Conservation and Touristification

Ecotourism is increasingly acknowledged as a conceptual framework that fosters sustainable development. Nevertheless, it embodies a paradoxical developmental trajectory, particularly when considering conflicting interests that emerge in the promotion of ecotourism within mangrove forest areas. To elucidate the underlying factors contributing to these controversies, the researchers concentrated on the Karangsong communities in Indonesia as the focal point of this investigation, employing a case study approach. The findings reveal that the development of ecotourism has precipitated substantial alterations in the governance of mangrove forest conservation. These changes encompass a reallocation of economic activities among various villages, coastal erosion, and the management of property rights. Furthermore, the community’s capacity to effectively govern ecotourism is impeded by various constraints, which engender dilemmas for local residents concerning external influences, such as Pertamina (a large oil company) and international nongovernmental organizations, which adversely affect infrastructure in conservation areas and contribute to gentrification in tourist hotspots. Consequently, this study advocates for stakeholders to prioritize the engagement of local communities to improve accessibility in ecotourism governance, rather than merely depending on the integration of collective behaviors.