Empowering Marginal Communities through Ecotourism
A Case Study of Telaga Sarangan, Magetan, East Java
Keywords:
Community-Based Tourism, Ecotourism, Empowerment, Marginalized Groups, Rural DevelopmentAbstract
Purpose – This study investigates how ecotourism at Telaga Sarangan contributes to the empowerment of marginal communities, particularly in terms of economic inclusion, gender participation, and environmental stewardship. It addresses the question of whether community-based tourism can serve as a sustainable development tool in rural areas where formal employment opportunities are limited.
Design/methods/approach – A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 20 local stakeholders, including community leaders, female entrepreneurs, tourism workers, and local government representatives. Data collection was supplemented with direct observations and document analysis over a three-month field study in Magetan, East Java. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data and identify patterns of community engagement and empowerment.
Findings – The study finds that ecotourism has enabled marginal groups, particularly women and landless residents, to access alternative livelihoods such as food stalls, homestays, and souvenir crafts. Community participation in managing tourist activities has improved environmental awareness and fostered a sense of ownership. However, empowerment remains uneven, with limited decision-making roles for women and younger groups. Infrastructure limitations and seasonal income fluctuations also restrict the long-term sustainability of the empowerment process.
Research implications/limitations – The study is context-specific and may not be fully generalizable to other ecotourism destinations. Furthermore, informal power relations and external investor influence were not explored in depth.
Originality/value – This article contributes to the growing literature on community-based tourism by emphasizing the nuanced relationship between participation and empowerment. It highlights the need for integrated policy and infrastructure support to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for marginalized groups in ecotourism development.
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