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A new study by Aldian Safputra Pratama, Endah Wahyuningsih, and Muhamad Husni Idris from the University of Mataram has found that stingless bee (meliponiculture) tourism in Sigar Penjalin Village, North Lombok, is highly feasible as an educational tourism destination. Published in the June 2026 edition of the Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), the research concludes that the destination achieved an overall feasibility score of 82 percent, placing it in the "very feasible" category for educational tourism development. The findings provide practical guidance for local communities and policymakers seeking to expand sustainable tourism while strengthening rural livelihoods.

Educational tourism has become an increasingly important sector as travelers seek experiences that combine recreation with meaningful learning. Across Indonesia, destinations that offer environmental education, cultural heritage, and community-based activities are gaining attention because they create economic opportunities while promoting conservation and local knowledge.

North Lombok already attracts visitors with its beaches and natural landscapes. However, the researchers argue that the region also possesses significant potential through meliponiculture, the cultivation of stingless bees. Besides producing premium honey, propolis, and bee pollen, stingless bees play an essential ecological role through pollination, making them valuable for biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. Previous studies have also demonstrated that stingless bee tourism can support environmental education and improve community welfare when managed effectively.

Assessing Educational Tourism Potential

The researchers conducted the study between March and April 2026 in East Rangsot Hamlet, Sigar Penjalin Village, North Lombok using a mixed-methods approach that combined surveys, observations, interviews, documentation, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).

To evaluate tourism feasibility, the team collected responses from 41 elementary and secondary school teachers, who assessed the destination using the internationally recognized 4A tourism framework:

·       Attraction

·       Accessibility

·       Amenities

·       Ancillary Services

In addition, the researchers organized Focus Group Discussions involving village leaders, women's farmer groups, and community organizations to identify internal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. These findings were analyzed using SWOT, Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE), and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) frameworks to determine the most appropriate development strategy.

Educational Attractions Receive High Marks

The study found that visitors perceive the educational experience as the strongest aspect of the destination.

Key results include:

·       Attraction: 87% (Very Feasible)

·       Amenities: 83% (Very Feasible)

·       Accessibility: 82% (Very Feasible)

·       Ancillary Services: 77% (Very Feasible)

·       Overall 4A Score: 82% (Very Feasible)

According to the researchers, visitors are especially interested in observing the stingless bee cultivation process, learning about honey harvesting, and understanding the ecological importance of bees. These hands-on experiences transform the tourism site into an interactive outdoor classroom rather than a conventional tourist attraction.

The researchers also found that supporting facilities such as rest areas and sanitation contribute positively to visitor satisfaction. Nevertheless, improvements remain necessary, particularly in parking facilities, tourism packages, visitor information services, complaint mechanisms, emergency contacts, and promotional activities through digital platforms.

Strengths and Challenges Shape Future Development

The SWOT analysis revealed several significant strengths supporting future development.

Among the strongest internal advantages were:

·       An engaging bee cultivation process with strong educational value.

·       Experienced managers with extensive knowledge of meliponiculture.

·       A comfortable natural environment.

·       Good tourism facilities.

·       Easy road access and digital navigation.

·       Attractive halal-certified honey products.

·       High public interest in the health benefits of honey.

However, the study also identified several weaknesses that require attention.

The most critical challenges include:

·       Limited flowering plants that provide food for stingless bees.

·       Insufficient promotional activities.

·       Distance from the city center.

·       Limited support from local government institutions.

On the external side, opportunities include strong support from non-government organizations, nearby schools, accommodation facilities, internet connectivity, and growing international tourist interest. At the same time, competition from other tourism destinations, weather variability, and cheaper honey products sold by competitors represent significant threats.

Diversification Strategy Offers the Best Path Forward

After evaluating all internal and external factors, the researchers determined that the destination falls into Quadrant II of the SWOT matrix.

This position indicates that the tourism destination possesses strong internal capabilities but faces substantial external competition and environmental pressures. As a result, the researchers recommend implementing a Strength–Threat (ST) diversification strategy, which focuses on using existing strengths to overcome future challenges.

Recommended actions include:

·       Expanding digital marketing through social media.

·       Highlighting the uniqueness of stingless bee educational experiences.

·       Creating integrated educational tourism packages.

·       Strengthening the branding of halal-certified honey products.

·       Improving collaboration with universities, schools, foundations, and local communities.

·       Developing climate-adaptive bee cultivation practices.

·       Enhancing tourism innovation to remain competitive with other destinations.

Benefits Beyond Tourism

The research demonstrates that meliponiculture can generate value beyond honey production. Educational tourism centered on stingless bees has the potential to strengthen environmental awareness, encourage biodiversity conservation, diversify rural incomes, and create new learning opportunities for schools and universities.

For local governments, the findings provide evidence-based recommendations for developing sustainable tourism policies that integrate education, agriculture, conservation, and community empowerment. For businesses and tourism operators, the study highlights the importance of digital promotion, product branding, and visitor experience in building long-term competitiveness.

The research also reinforces Indonesia's broader commitment to sustainable tourism by demonstrating how community-based natural resources can be transformed into educational destinations that benefit both visitors and local residents.

Research Insight

Lead author Aldian Safputra Pratama and colleagues from the University of Mataram conclude that the educational value of stingless bee cultivation is the destination's greatest competitive advantage. Their findings indicate that strengthening this unique learning experience while addressing promotional and infrastructure challenges will help ensure the long-term sustainability of meliponiculture tourism in North Lombok.

Author Profile

Aldian Safputra Pratama

Dr. Endah Wahyuningsih

Muhamad Husni Idris

Source

Article Title: The Feasibility Level and Strategy of Meliponiculture Development as an Educational Tourism Attraction in Sigar Penjalin Village, North Lombok

Journal: Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA)

Publication: Volume 6, Number 6, June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/mudima.v6i6.72