SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES BASED ON COMMUNITY PERCEPTION AND PARTICIPATION IN ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IN INDONESIA

The Forest Management Unit of Region IV of Balige has a working area within Toba Regency, one of the regencies in North Sumatra Province which is rich in ecotourism potential. SWOT analysis was used in this study to analyze community perception and participation in ecotourism development planning and establish sustainable strategies for ecotourism development within the study area. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and a questionnaire survey with 114 respondents. The data were then analyzed using participatory analysis, involving a variety of community groups. Community members generally had a positive attitude toward the ecotourism development plan. The average community participation indicating a medium level of community engagement in ecotourism development. The positioning of strategies for ecotourism development within Quadrant I of the SWOT diagram, where strengths and opportunities are high, is an ideal scenario. To ensure long-term success, the strategies for the Forest Management Unit of Region IV of Balige should leverage positive community perceptions, address gaps in participation, and align with sustainable development goals, benefiting both the community and the environment. This study makes a unique contribution to ecotourism planning by integrating local knowledge and community involvement in ecotourism management strategy development.