The Development of Sustainable Ecotourism in the Biosphere Reserve of Meru Betiri National Park in Indonesia

Objectives: Sustainable ecotourism development holds crucial impacts on global economic development, even the case in Indonesia which is renowned for its natural areas as tourism destinations. Methods: This study aims to assess the potential of developing sustainable ecotourism in Meru Betiri National Park as a biosphere reserve, specifically delving into its potential environmental and cultural resources for ecotourism. The research integrates SWOT and DPSIR analysis to investigate the sustainable ecotourism model. Results: The results analysis shows the internal factors (income, stakeholder policies, knowledge of biodiversity) and external factors (tourist carrying capacity, tourism policy, and human-environment spatial interaction) driving the development of ecotourism in the national park. DPSIR analysis has identified a sustainable ecotourism model. Participating stakeholders acknowledge the need for integrating SWOT and DPSIR to develop sustainable ecotourism. Conclusions: Research findings show that stakeholders, policies, and regulations, human-environment interaction, conservation innovation, and promotion intensity are key elements to developing ecotourism.