OAR ISLAND AS AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION: POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGES ANALYSIS

Oar Island, located in Sumur Village, Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province, is a small island within the Ujung Kulon National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. With its unspoiled landscape, pristine white sand beaches, calm and clear seawater, and tranquil atmosphere, Oar Island holds significant potential to be developed as an ecotourism destination. This study aims to identify the potentials and challenges in developing Oar Island as a sustainable ecotourism site. The method used is a qualitative approach with a literature study as the primary basis, focusing on key factors such as environmental carrying capacity, infrastructure readiness, socio-economic impacts, and local community involvement. The findings indicate that Oar Island offers remarkable attractions, including stunning coastal landscapes, rich marine biodiversity supporting snorkeling activities, and a strategic location near other destinations in Ujung Kulon. However, several challenges have been identified, including limited basic infrastructure (electricity, sanitation, and accommodation), the absence of maritime safety standards, and the risk of environmental degradation due to unregulated tourism activities. On the other hand, local communities play a vital role as boat operators, tour guides, and providers of traditional coastal cuisine, enriching the visitor experience while also boosting the local economy. Developing Oar Island as an ecotourism destination requires an integrated approach that emphasizes environmental conservation, community empowerment, the establishment of tourism service standards, and ongoing visitor education. This strategy is expected to optimize Oar Island's tourism potential without compromising its ecological sustainability and local socio-cultural values.