Challenges in initiating Tarsius fuscus’ creative ecotourism at Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park

Abstract

Tarsius fuscus (tarsier) has a high potential to be developed as a tourism attraction at Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park (Babul NP). This study aims to identify challenges in developing sustainable tourism of Tarsius fuscus. Surveys, interviews, and documentation methods were employed in collecting data. Data were analyzed quantitatively and by using descriptive analysis, potential tourism analysis, internal factor and external factor evaluation analysis, and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. Babul NP has potential resources that can be used to enhance tourism, such as Tarsius fuscus that serves as the main attraction, its habitat’ beautiful panorama, and local communities who can play a role in tourism. Nevertheless, the initiation and development of tarsier tourism face difficulties because infrastructure is limited, it is not a primary program of the management, tarsiers are not popular among tourists, and promotion is limited. It requires management effort and great advertising. It also needs to use all of the potency, especially using abandoned potency such as culture and tradition of the local community. It opens the opportunity of tourists to involve actively (co-creation) in tourism. This strategy to initiate and develop this tourism will form a new model and innovation of tourism, namely Tarsius fuscus creative eco-tourism.