The development of ecotourism destinations in Indonesia is currently facing serious challenges. Amid the growing trend of nature tourism, concerns have arisen that the sector is beginning to get trapped in a wave of commercialization that ignores the principles of sustainability and ecological education values.
Head of the Sociology Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Awan Setia Dharmawan, stressed that ecotourism should serve as an integrative instrument combining environmental conservation with community economic empowerment. He warned that nature-based tourism destinations must not merely pursue tourist visit numbers for financial gain alone.
According to Awan, the main foundation of ecotourism rests on three essential pillars: ecosystem sustainability, environmental education, and management based on local wisdom. If these principles are ignored and replaced by capitalization practices, the essence of responsible tourism will be lost and will instead threaten the preservation of nature itself.
He added that the benchmark for the success of an ecotourism area can no longer be viewed solely from the revenue aspect. Preserved environmental quality, active involvement of the local community, and increased public ecological awareness must be the main indicators of a destination's development success.
In line with this view, the Batu City Government continues its efforts to integrate sustainability concepts into tourism village development. Policy focus directed toward waste management, nature conservation, and community education serves as proof of the importance of synergy between academics and the government in maintaining the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation for a better future of tourism.
