Analysis of Ecotourism, Culture and Local Community Empower­ment: Case Study of Wasur National Park - Indonesia

The focus of this research lies in community empowerment based on culture and local communities as well as sustainable ecotourism,which is directed at a complicated mechanism of empowerment elements,local culture that is thick in ecotourism to get added value for the novelty of ecotourism research.The object of research is Wasur National Park(WNP),Papua,Indonesia.Qualitative methods have been used to obtain accurate data and information,i.e.,in-depth interviews with indigenous people to find out the benefits or functions of their culture that can be developed in ecotourism,interviews with leaders and staff of WNP and the Department of Culture and Tourism to find out the potential and processes empowerment and existing tourism potential.As a result,from the perspective of empowerment,local people will easily follow the empowerment process provided that they use methods that are culturally appropriate which is from the viewpoints from the culture of sasi,totem and sacred places.The culture adopted by the community is in accordance with the principles of ecotourism that supports sustainability,environmental conservation,protection of environmental resources and increases economic value.However,it is recommended to carry out modified socialization in accordance with the current conditions.Hence,tourists who visit WNP do not become afraid of the very rigid sanctions which are applied to them who violate the existing cultural and environmental customs.Moreover,to get added economic value in the tourism business within WNP,it is necessary to explore the potential of cultural wealth,natural and biological wealth so that it becomes the main attraction in carrying out the economic empowerment of local communities in the field of ecotourism.

Coastal Community Economic Empowerment Strategy in Merauke Regency

Community economic empowerment is an important approach to realize a balanced,developing and just economic structure,to realize a successful economic empowerment,community business capacity must become strong and independent,and in sync with community’s best potential and product,in this paper is coastal community.The purpose of this study is how the main strategies and work programs that need to be taken to improve the economy of the community in Merauke Regency by optimally utilizing coastal community resources and knowing the inhibiting and supporting factors of empowerment.Qualitative research method with a SWOT analysis tool with a focus on data sources based on the results of interviews and discussions with the fisheries service and fisheries business actors.The results of the study explain that the increase in fisherman productivity has the highest weight value which is carried out by increasing the role of capital assistance and market intervention,verified by the efforts of coastal communities.