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The development of Batu Lombeng Tourism in Lebani Village, Mamuju Regency, has brought significant social benefits to the local coastal community, according to a 2026 study conducted by Rubiana, Isra Wahyudi, Arwin, Haryanto, and Ilham from Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju. The research found that most residents view the tourism destination positively because it creates new business opportunities, strengthens social interaction, and encourages economic adaptation among coastal households. These findings are important as many coastal regions across Indonesia seek to balance tourism growth with community welfare and environmental sustainability.
Coastal tourism has become one of
the fastest-growing sectors in many regions of Indonesia. Beyond its
contribution to local economies, tourism often influences social relationships,
cultural values, and community lifestyles. In coastal communities, where
livelihoods traditionally depend on fishing and marine resources, tourism can
create both opportunities and challenges.
Lebani Village, located in
Simboro District, Mamuju Regency, represents one of these emerging tourism
areas. The village is home to Batu Lombeng Tourism, a coastal attraction known
for its natural scenery and recreational appeal. As visitor numbers increase,
the destination has become an important meeting point between local residents,
tourism managers, and travelers from outside the region. Researchers considered
the site an ideal case for understanding how tourism affects the social life of
coastal communities.
To examine these impacts, the
research team conducted a qualitative study between May and June 2026. The
study involved 31 informants, including tourism managers, local residents, and
visitors. Information was gathered through in-depth interviews, field observations,
and documentation. The researchers then analyzed the data to identify social
changes associated with the growth of Batu Lombeng Tourism.
The results show that Batu
Lombeng Tourism has generated predominantly positive social outcomes for the
community.
Several key benefits were
identified:
- Increased interaction between local residents and
visitors.
- New business opportunities, including food stalls,
snack sales, gazebo rentals, and parking services.
- Greater community participation in tourism-related
activities.
- Diversification of livelihoods, allowing residents to
supplement traditional fishing and farming income.
- Strong public acceptance of tourism development.
Before tourism became
established, many residents relied mainly on fishing and agricultural
activities. As the tourism sector expanded, additional income-generating
opportunities emerged. Importantly, most residents did not abandon their
traditional occupations. Instead, they combined existing livelihoods with
tourism-related activities, creating a more diversified and resilient local
economy.
One of the strongest findings of
the study concerns community acceptance. Of the 31 respondents surveyed, 28
agreed and two strongly agreed that Batu Lombeng Tourism had a positive
presence in the village. Only one respondent expressed a neutral opinion.
Overall, 96.77 percent of respondents responded positively to the
tourism destination, demonstrating broad community support.
According to the researchers,
this high level of support reflects the principles of Social Exchange Theory,
which suggests that communities are more likely to support tourism when the
perceived benefits outweigh the associated costs. In Lebani Village, residents
generally view tourism as a source of economic opportunity, social interaction,
and community development.
The study also found that Batu
Lombeng Tourism serves as a new social space for residents. Tourism activities
create opportunities for communication and interaction between local people and
visitors from different backgrounds. These interactions not only facilitate
economic transactions but also expand social networks and community connections
beyond the village.
Although the overall impact is
positive, the researchers caution that potential challenges should not be
overlooked. The study identified several issues that may become more
significant as tourism continues to grow. These include waste management
concerns, uneven participation among community members, limited involvement of
some local businesses, and the possibility of gradual changes in local social
and cultural values.
Field observations and SWOT
analysis revealed that waste management remains one of the main areas requiring
improvement. Without proper planning, increasing visitor numbers could place
greater pressure on the coastal environment. The researchers also noted that
stronger interaction with outside visitors could influence community lifestyles
and social norms over time. While these effects are not currently dominant,
proactive management is considered necessary to maintain social and
environmental sustainability.
Based on their findings, the
authors recommend a community-based tourism model that actively involves
local residents in decision-making and tourism management. Suggested strategies
include improving community skills and participation, strengthening
environmental protection measures, enhancing waste management systems, and
ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed fairly across the community.
The implications of this research
extend beyond Lebani Village. As coastal tourism continues to expand throughout
Indonesia, the Batu Lombeng experience demonstrates how tourism can support
local development when communities are actively involved and benefits are
shared fairly. The study also highlights the importance of balancing economic
growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation to achieve
long-term sustainability.
Author Profiles
Rubiana is a researcher
from Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju specializing in coastal community
development and tourism studies. She served as the corresponding author of the
study.
Isra Wahyudi, Arwin, Haryanto,
and Ilham are academics and researchers from Universitas Muhammadiyah
Mamuju whose work focuses on coastal resource management, community
development, and sustainable tourism.
Research Source
Article Title: The
Social Impact of Batu Lombeng Tourism on the Coastal Community of Lebani
Village, Mamuju Regency
Authors: Rubiana, Isra Wahyudi, Arwin, Haryanto, and Ilham
Affiliation: Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju
Journal: International Journal of Applied and Advanced
Multidisciplinary Research (IJAAMR), Vol. 4, No. 8, 2026, pp. 793–800
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijaamr.v4i8.306
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