Analysis of Infrastructure Readiness and Environmental Cleanliness in Marine Tourism Development: A Case Study of Cikadal Beach, Sukabumi Regency, Indonesia

Ardianta Jumat, Februari 27, 2026
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FORMOSA NEWS- Sukabumi, Jawa Barat

Damaged Roads and Waste Threaten Marine Tourism Growth at Cikadal Beach, Indonesia

A recent study by researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran and Brawijaya University reveals that poor road access and unmanaged coastal waste are slowing tourism development at Cikadal Beach, a scenic coastal area within the Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark. Published in 2026 in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences, the findings highlight urgent infrastructure and environmental challenges that could undermine local economic opportunities if left unaddressed. 

The research was conducted by Shafira Bilqis Annida, Faqih Baihaqi, and Salsabila Qisti Qwintana E. Drawing on field observations carried out in late 2024, the team documented extensive road damage and widespread accumulation of organic marine debris along the shoreline. These conditions, the authors report, reduce visitor comfort, raise safety risks, and weaken the competitiveness of Cikadal Beach compared with other marine destinations in Sukabumi Regency.

Why Cikadal Beach Matters

Cikadal Beach lies in Mandrajaya Village, Sukabumi Regency, an area known for mangrove forests, broad sandy shores, and relatively quiet coastal scenery. As part of a UNESCO-recognized geopark, the beach holds strategic value for sustainable tourism and community-based economic development. Marine tourism is widely seen as a driver of income for coastal villages in Indonesia, supporting small businesses, fisheries-related services, and local employment.

However, natural beauty alone is no longer enough to attract and retain visitors. Tourists increasingly expect safe access, basic facilities, and clean environments. When these expectations are not met, destinations risk negative reviews, declining visitor numbers, and lost income for local residents.

How the Research Was Conducted

The research team used a descriptive qualitative approach, relying on direct field observation and visual documentation. Over several days in November 2024, they surveyed:

  • The main road leading to Cikadal Beach
  • Drainage conditions and surface damage along access routes
  • The distribution of natural waste, such as driftwood and vegetation, along the coastline

Photographs and field notes were then analyzed against established tourism development frameworks, including the Tourism Area Life Cycle model. This approach allowed the researchers to assess how current conditions affect visitor experience and destination readiness without relying on complex technical measurements.

Key Findings from the Field

The study identifies two major barriers to tourism development at Cikadal Beach:

1. Severely Damaged Road Infrastructure
Access roads to the beach show extensive deterioration, including potholes up to 20 centimeters deep, peeling asphalt, and non-functioning drainage. According to the researchers, these conditions:
  • Double travel time compared with normal road conditions
  • Increase accident risks, especially for motorcycles
  • Discourage repeat visits and first-time tourists

Poor accessibility acts as a psychological barrier, reducing the appeal of the destination even before visitors arrive.

2. Unmanaged Organic Waste Along the Coast
The shoreline is frequently covered with natural marine debris such as wood, branches, and plant material carried by tides. Although biodegradable, these materials accumulate in large volumes and remain unmanaged. The study notes that this situation:
  • Reduces the usable beach area for recreation
  • Creates a visual impression of neglect
  • Weakens the beach’s image as a clean and attractive destination

Together, these issues place Cikadal Beach at a disadvantage compared with better-managed marine tourism sites in the region.

What the Findings Mean

Using the Tourism Area Life Cycle framework, the researchers classify Cikadal Beach as being in a development stage. At this phase, physical improvements and institutional support are critical. Without intervention, promotional efforts—especially through social media—may backfire if visitor expectations do not match on-the-ground conditions.

The study emphasizes that infrastructure upgrades and environmental management should move forward together. Road repairs alone will not solve the problem if beach cleanliness continues to decline. Likewise, environmental campaigns will have limited impact if tourists struggle to reach the site safely.

Implications for Policy and Local Communities

The findings offer clear guidance for policymakers and local stakeholders:

  • Infrastructure investment: Repairing and maintaining access roads should be a top priority for regional authorities.
  • Community-based cleanliness management: Regular collective clean-up activities can prevent organic waste from accumulating.
  • Economic innovation: Organic debris such as driftwood could be repurposed into decorative or functional products, creating new income streams for residents.
  • Integrated planning: Tourism promotion should be synchronized with actual improvements on the ground to avoid damaging the destination’s reputation.

As Shafira Bilqis Annida of Universitas Padjadjaran explains, improving access and cleanliness together can create “a positive domino effect for local economic sustainability,” particularly for coastal communities that depend on tourism-related income. 

Author Profile

Shafira Bilqis Annida, S.Tr.Par.
Vocational Studies, Universitas Padjadjaran
Expertise: Tourism development and destination management

Faqih Baihaqi, S.Pi., M.Si.
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran
Expertise: Coastal and marine resource management

Salsabila Qisti Qwintana E., S.P.
Brawijaya University, Malang
Expertise: Environmental studies and community-based sustainability

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