Community based ecotourism development of Jatigede Reservoir in Pakualam Village of Darmaraja Sub district of Sumedang Regency

Abstract

Jatigede Reservoir area has a role as a power plant, the provider of irrigation water, fisheries, and tourism. Tourism that is suitable to be developed in the reservoir area is ecotourism, which is a natural tourism that unites sustainably conservation, society, and travel. The purpose of this study was to identify the potential of Pakualam Village as ecotourism area, to analyze community involvement in ecotourism management, and to identify supporting and inhibiting factors in developing ecotourism in the Pakualam Village. This study used qualitative descriptive method with case study techniques. Data collection was carried out through observation, focus group discussion, in-depth interview and literature study. The data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive and technical boundary partner. The results showed that forest resources, rice fields and waters in Pakualam Village had the potential of ecotourism. In utilizing these potential resources, community involvement existed both as an initiator, implementer or beneficiary. The supporting factors of ecotourism that were found included the cool and natural beauty of natural panorama, the availability of typical culinary and the local wisdom of Pakualam Village community. The main inhibiting factors in the development of ecotourism in this area included poor road infrastructure, limited facilities and supporting institutions.