Bandung Regency, December 15, 2024 — Two lecturers from the Faculty of Communication Sciences (FIKOM) at Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) have completed a study highlighting the strategic role of local communities in addressing environmental issues. The research, titled “Ecotourism: Local Community’s Role in Overcoming Watershed Pollution in Lake Cisanti, West Java,” explores how community-based ecotourism can be an effective solution for pollution at the headwaters of the Citarum River.
The research is a collaborative effort by Rully Khairul Anwar and Ute Lies Siti Khadijah. The background stems from the World Bank’s designation of the Citarum River as the world’s most polluted river. The study focused on Tarumajaya Village, Kertasari District, Bandung Regency, the location of Lake Cisanti (the zero point of the Citarum River), to examine the community’s role in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of ecotourism.
Using a qualitative case study approach, the research team gathered data through interviews, non-participant observation, and document analysis. This approach allowed the researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of the community’s level of participation throughout all stages of ecotourism development, which is key to the success of environmental recovery efforts.
The findings indicate that the involvement of the Tarumajaya Village community is crucial. They actively participate in three main stages: planning, implementation (such as environmental maintenance and activity management), and evaluation. This active participation directly contributes to river cleanup and natural restoration efforts, while also strengthening ecotourism development.
The study specifically emphasizes that local community involvement is the foundation for successful ecotourism. Their participation is not just about labor but also about decision-making and program ownership, which ensures the sustainability of both environmental and economic initiatives.
This academic publication provides valuable insights into how a community-based model can be a practical solution to complex environmental problems. The research contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting effective water resource management and inclusive development.
The article has been published in the Sinta 4 Journal, Socio Politica UINSGD. It is hoped that these findings will serve as a reference for policymakers and other communities to adopt similar approaches in their efforts toward environmental recovery and sustainable ecotourism development.
The publication results can be accessed via the following link: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250128110851_5371.pdf
Writers: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena, and Muhammad Ihsan Fauzul Haq
