Tourism as a Strategic Alternative to Mining
For more than two decades, Maluk’s economy has relied heavily on the mining industry. While mining drives regional revenue, it absorbs limited local labor and remains vulnerable to global commodity fluctuations. At the same time, tourism contributes less than five percent to the area’s economy despite the region’s coastal landscapes, cultural traditions, and community assets.
This imbalance creates urgency for economic diversification. Local governments increasingly view tourism villages as a sustainable alternative capable of spreading income more evenly across communities while strengthening long-term economic stability.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research team conducted fieldwork across five villages in Maluk Subdistrict: Maluk, Benete, Bukit Damai, Mantun, and Pasir Putih.
Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study relied on:
- In-depth interviews with village leaders, tourism groups, and small business owners
- Direct field observations of infrastructure and attractions
- Analysis of village planning documents and statistical data
Village readiness was assessed through the tourism “4A/5A” framework, which evaluates attractions, accessibility, amenities, institutional support, and tourism activities. This framework allowed the researchers to compare each village’s development stage and economic potential without relying on complex technical indicators.
Key Findings from the Tourism Mapping
The study found clear differences in readiness levels among villages:
Most Ready for Tourism Development
- Pasir Putih Village offers strong coastal attractions, clear waters, and active weekend tourism.
- Mantun Village combines beach tourism, scenic hills, and community activities, supported by relatively good road access.
Both villages already show organic tourism growth but still need improved facilities and stronger local management structures.
High Potential with Unique Positioning
- Benete Village stands out for its hybrid tourism potential.
- Coastal tourism remains a key attraction
- Industrial educational tourism could tell the story of local economic transformation
- Existing infrastructure from mining activity provides logistical advantages
Researchers note that this combination makes Benete a promising niche tourism destination.
Early-Stage Tourism Villages
- Maluk Village, the administrative and economic hub, has service facilities that could support regional tourism but lacks packaged tourist experiences.
- Bukit Damai Village offers serene hills and agricultural landscapes suited for eco-tourism, yet lacks infrastructure and organized tourism institutions.
These villages require foundational investments in amenities, access routes, and community tourism organizations.
Economic Impact on Local Communities
Beyond physical mapping, the research shows clear economic implications.
Tourism development can create more inclusive employment compared to capital-intensive mining. New job roles already emerging in the area include:
- Local tour guides
- Homestay operators
- Surf and recreation instructors
- Culinary vendors and small traders
The study estimates that around 18 percent of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Maluk are already linked to tourism activity, demonstrating the multiplier effect of visitor spending in local communities.
Tourism income also offers households an additional revenue stream, improving financial resilience in regions vulnerable to mining cycles.
Policy Implications and Regional Planning
The findings suggest that tourism village mapping is not merely an academic exercise but a practical policy instrument.
According to the research team, reliable spatial and economic data allows village governments to:
- Prioritize infrastructure investments
- Attract private tourism investors
- Develop targeted village economic plans
- Strengthen community-based tourism governance
Hendra Atmam of Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya emphasizes that evidence-based mapping supports smarter public administration decisions and prevents misdirected development spending.
He notes that villages with clear tourism potential data are better positioned to build sustainable income sources and reduce long-term dependence on extractive industries.
Real-World Benefits for Communities and Policymakers
If implemented strategically, the tourism village approach could:
- Reduce rural unemployment
- Expand local business opportunities
- Increase village revenue sources
- Encourage infrastructure improvements benefiting all residents
- Promote environmentally and culturally sustainable development
For policymakers, the research underscores the importance of integrated tourism master planning to avoid competition among villages and ensure coordinated regional growth.
0 Komentar