Stronger Institutional Frameworks Key to Sustainable Peatland Ecotourism in Indonesia, Study Shows

Gloria Florensia Br Surbakti Kamis, September 03, 2026
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FORMOSA NEWS

A study published in August 2026 examines how institutional structures influence governance effectiveness in community-based ecotourism at Sebangau Blackwater Tourism, Indonesia. The research, conducted by Nova Riyanti, Evi Satispi, Maya Puspita Dewi, and Muhamad Yusuf from Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, demonstrates that multi-stakeholder collaboration alone cannot guarantee sustainable management without clear roles, legal continuity, and structured coordination mechanisms. The findings highlight the critical need for well-designed local governance systems to protect vulnerable tropical peatland ecosystems while simultaneously advancing community economic development.

Background and Context

Community-based ecotourism positions local residents as the primary managers and beneficiaries of regional tourism initiatives. In Indonesia, tourism has experienced substantial growth, with domestic tourist trips reaching 1.02 billion and international arrivals reaching 13.74 million in 2024. Sebangau Blackwater Tourism in Kereng Bangkirai Village serves as a primary gateway to the 568,700-hectare Sebangau National Park, a critical peatland ecosystem home to protected species such as the Bornean orangutan. Despite attracting over 114,000 domestic visitors in 2024, the destination faces challenges in balancing tourism expansion with environmental conservation. Strengthening institutional governance is essential to prevent ecosystem degradation and ensure long-term local benefits.

Research Methodology

The researchers conducted a qualitative case study to analyze governance arrangements at Sebangau Blackwater Tourism. Data collection involved 20 semi-structured interviews, field observations, and official document reviews. Key informants represented eight stakeholder groups:

  • Local government officials (Palangka Raya Tourism Office)
  • Sebangau National Park Authority
  • Kereng Bangkirai Village Administration
  • Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis)
  • Local community service providers (boat operators, culinary vendors)
  • Private sector partners
  • Academic researchers
  • Local media representatives

Data were transcribed, organized, and analyzed using NVivo 12 Plus software following the interactive qualitative analysis model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. Findings were validated through source, method, and document triangulation.

Key Research Findings

The study identifies several critical insights regarding destination governance:

  • Fragmented Management Structures: Although multiple organizations are active—including the Tourism Office, National Park Authority, village administration, and local groups—operations rely heavily on informal communication rather than standardized procedures.
  • Vulnerability from Administrative Disruptions: The expiry of the Tourism Awareness Group's (Pokdarwis) official decree led to a temporary loss of legal legitimacy, impairing its ability to secure funding, maintain partner agreements, and represent community interests.
  • Event-Driven Coordination: Inter-organizational communication occurs primarily during promotional events or festivals rather than through permanent, routine planning and monitoring forums.
  • Social Capital as a Safety Net: Strong local social capital—manifested through mutual cooperation (gotong royong), collective deliberation (musyawarah), and environmental stewardship—maintains daily operations despite gaps in formal institutional structures.
  • Asymmetric Competency: Community members possess strong operational skills for daily visitor services, but lack formal training in strategic planning, organizational administration, and financial monitoring.

Real-World Impact and Policy Implications

The findings provide actionable insights for public administrators, park authorities, and rural development policymakers. The study indicates that adding financial resources or physical infrastructure to ecotourism sites is insufficient to guarantee sustainability without structural institutional reforms.

To achieve sustainable outcomes, policymakers must establish permanent multi-stakeholder coordination bodies, enforce legal continuity for local management organizations, and create standardized operating procedures. For vulnerable ecosystems like tropical peatlands, structured governance ensures that visitor management remains within ecological safety thresholds while securing steady economic returns for local communities.

Expert Commentary

Reflecting on the core conclusions of the study, the research team noted:

"Governance capacity cannot be enhanced solely through additional resources or organizational capacity-building programs. Adaptive institutional design capable of integrating organizational functions, stakeholder coordination, and accountability mechanisms represents the principal pathway toward sustainable community-based ecotourism governance."

Author Profile

  • Nova Riyanti, S.I.P., M.Si. – Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. Specialized in public governance, sustainable tourism development, and institutional design.
  • Dr. Evi Satispi, M.Si. – Faculty Member in Public Administration, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. Expert in organizational governance and administrative policy.
  • Dr. Maya Puspita Dewi, M.Si. – Researcher in Public Administration, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. Focused on public policy and local government institutions.
  • Dr. Muhamad Yusuf, M.Si. – Academic and Researcher, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. Specialized in public administration and community empowerment models.

Source Information

Gloria Florensia Br Surbakti

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