The findings matter because Sigending is part of a protected mangrove ecosystem that Indonesia promotes as a model for sustainable coastal tourism. While national and regional plans emphasize ecotourism, the study shows that international sustainability standards remain largely absent from day-to-day governance at the village level, raising concerns about long-term environmental protection and policy effectiveness.
Why Sustainable Tourism Governance Matters
Indonesia is home to one of the world’s largest mangrove ecosystems, and coastal ecotourism has become a strategic development priority. In Berau Regency, local government plans identify mangrove tourism as a driver of conservation and community income. At the global level, the GSTC provides widely used sustainability criteria covering destination management, social and economic benefits, cultural preservation, and environmental protection.
However, aligning global standards with local governance is challenging. Many villages depend on community groups and non-governmental organizations, often with limited funding and technical expertise. This mismatch between ambitious sustainability goals and local capacity has become a central issue in tourism policy debates, particularly in developing regions.
How the Study Was Conducted
The UMKT research team used a qualitative case study approach focused on Sigending Ecotourism. Data were gathered through:
- In-depth interviews with village officials, district tourism authorities, community tourism groups (Pokdarwis), environmental forums (FORLIKA), and conservation NGOs
- Field observations in the Sigending mangrove area
- Analysis of official policy documents, including district and village development plans
The researchers analyzed the data using a multilevel governance framework, which looks at how authority and decision-making are shared among international, national, regional, and local actors.
Key Findings at a Glance
The study identifies a clear “translation gap” between global tourism standards and local practice:
- Dominance of network-based governance: Sigending’s tourism management relies heavily on community groups and NGOs rather than formal government systems.
- Limited use of GSTC standards: GSTC principles have not been formally integrated into district regulations, village rules, or standard operating procedures.
- Overlapping authority: Responsibilities between district agencies, village governments, and non-state actors are unclear, creating coordination problems.
- Strong local initiative, weak formal tools: Conservation activities such as mangrove planting, visitor education, and waste control exist, but they are informal and not guided by standardized indicators or monitoring systems.
The researchers classify this arrangement as Type II multilevel governance, characterized by flexible networks but vulnerable institutional sustainability.
Real-World Implications
The findings highlight both risks and opportunities for Indonesia’s ecotourism strategy:
- For policymakers: District governments play a crucial role as “policy translators.” Without clear technical guidelines based on GSTC indicators, global sustainability goals remain symbolic rather than operational.
- For local communities: Community-led initiatives are vital but need legal backing, training, and stable funding to survive beyond short-term projects.
- For conservation efforts: Mangrove protection depends on consistent monitoring and clear visitor management rules, which are difficult to enforce without formal standards.
- For Indonesia’s global image: Stronger alignment with GSTC standards could position Berau and similar regions as international benchmarks for sustainable mangrove tourism.
The study suggests that Berau Regency has strong potential to become a pilot area for GSTC-based ecotourism, given its ecological value and active civil society organizations.
Voices from the Research
According to Jesicha Ajeng Regiyani of Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur, the problem is not a lack of commitment but a lack of translation. She explains that global standards like the GSTC “do not automatically work through bureaucratic channels and are often carried forward by community actors and NGOs before being recognized in formal policy.” This insight reflects the study’s broader conclusion that sustainability must be built through coordinated action across governance levels.
About the Authors
- Jesicha Ajeng Regiyani, S.IP. – Researcher in international relations and tourism governance, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur
- Khoirul Amin, S.IP., M.Hub.Int. – Lecturer and researcher in global governance and public policy, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur
- Mohamad Dziqie Aulia Al Farauqi, S.IP. – Researcher focusing on community-based development and sustainability policy, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur
Source
Article Title: Multilevel Governance and Adaptation of the GSTC International Regime in the Implementation of the Sigending Area Development Policy
Journal: Indonesian Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR)
Year: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijar.v5i1.15951
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