Community-Based Ecotourism Package Trialed in Wakatobi

Tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis) from four villages in Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, have conducted trial runs of ecotourism packages for several tourists. The Pokdarwis groups involved in the trial were Tee La Ganda from Balasuna Selatan Village, Kaledupa District, Poassa Nuhada from Kulati Village, East Tomia District, Community Based Tourism (CBT) Tadu Sangia from Dete Village, East Tomia District, and CBT One Soea from Kollo Soha Village, Tomia District. The trial was conducted from September 18-21, 2024.

Wakatobi Regency's Head of Tourism Office, Muhidin, said that tourism is one of the critical sectors that can significantly contribute to the people of Wakatobi. Therefore, he believes innovative tourism packages must be developed to attract more visitors to Wakatobi.

"Besides marine tourism, Wakatobi has rich historical and cultural tourism potential. These potentials must be highlighted to attract tourists interested in experiences closely related to local communities. By doing so, the history and culture of each area in Wakatobi will become more widely known," said Muhidin.

Exploring historical and cultural trails has become the innovative tourism package offered by the four Pokdarwis groups during the trial. Activities include visiting the Puo Nu Futa cultural site in Balasuna Selatan Village, exploring the traditional forest of Liang Kuri-Kuri in Kulati Village, watching the Hekulu-Kulu dance performance from Kollo Soha Village, and visiting homes where traditional Wakatobi weaving and handicrafts are made.

"Introducing historical and cultural trails through tourism is one way we, as the younger generation, preserve the history and culture of our respective areas. We also involve community leaders to share stories about history, culture, folklore, myths, and local wisdom with tourists," said Nyong Tomia, head of the Poassa Nuhada group.

Additionally, the tested tourism package included a "live-in" experience. Tourists are invited to explore tourist sites and live with the local community. This is part of Pokdarwis' efforts to introduce the local culture of their villages.

"Tourists will stay in local homes, dine with daily village meals, and interact with the residents. This way, they explore tourist sites and experience life as a local villager," explained Jamarudin, head of CBT Tadu Sangia.

Ecotourism Development Through the SIGAP Approach

One of the regions offering significant tourism potential in Indonesia is Wakatobi Regency, known as one of the world's best diving destinations. Its coral reefs, rich in biodiversity, are a significant attraction for divers. Moreover, Wakatobi has a diverse cultural wealth, including traditional dances, handicrafts, and local festivals that draw tourists.

Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), through its SIGAP (Aksi Inspiratif Warga untuk Perubahan) approach, has been working in Wakatobi alongside the Wakatobi National Park Authority (BTNW) to support local tourism communities. This support includes institutional strengthening, developing codes of ethics, providing information boards and some guiding equipment, and creating tourism packages.

"Coastal communities in Wakatobi are supported through organizational management capacity-building activities, especially to improve livelihoods based on sustainable principles. One of these is through environmentally friendly tourism or ecotourism," YKAN Wakatobi Program Coordinator La Ode Arifudin explained.

Arifudin added that through ecotourism, the supported groups emphasize a tourism concept that improves the quality of life for the local community while maintaining environmental quality. Therefore, each group's "live-in" package incorporates elements of history and culture, social aspects, conservation, education, and natural scenery.

"The supported groups are now aware that the ecotourism activities they offer must embody strong moral values and a high sense of responsibility toward the tourism sites, both in terms of environmental conservation and the local community's social and cultural aspects," concluded Arifudin.