Ecotourism Development to Grow the Social Economy and the Welfare of Local Communities in the Indonesia-Malaysia Border Region

Abstract

Ecotourism is a nature tourism activity that influences the condition of the natural environment. The study on Ecotourism Development to Grow the Social Economy and the Welfare of Local Communities in the Indonesia-Malaysia Border Region, in this case in Sajingan Besar Sub-District, Sambas Regency which aims to optimize the potential of the region in Sajingan Sub-District. This study used a mixed-method approach were quantitative confirmed qualitative. Then, it can be summarized that the Riam Merasap, Riam Cagat and Riam Sunge Banokng tourism destination in Kaliau and Sebunga Village is important to be developed to grow the social economy and the welfare of local communities in the Indonesia-Malaysia border region. The point is that based on the analysis of the potential of Riam Merasap, Riam Cagat, and Riam Sunge Banokng, it gives the results of an assessment that its potential is very good so that it can be developed into a water resource tourism destination with a variety of multifunction. In the social economy aspect, it can open investment opportunities, open up employment opportunities for the local people who are averagely poor, and open isolation with the increase in infrastructure. Moreover, according to (Pemerintah RI, 2014) concern on the Village Autonomy in managing and carrying out the existing natural resources and the development of village-owned enterprises as a means of increasing the income of communities.