TANGKAHAN ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

TO INCREASE TOURIST VISITS

Firmansyah Ahzome1 Josua Parningotan P2 Tengku MHD Haikal3

Medan Tourism Polytechnic
Email: 1firmansyahah@గ్మైల్.com 2 Aldeofrons2002@gmail.com
3muhammadhyikal@gmail.com

Abstract
Tangkahan tourist attraction Gunung Leuser National Park is a tourist attraction that has
great potential and attraction, where Tangkaahan tourist attraction is famous for a number of tourist
attractions including exploring the forest, bathing elephants and river tubing. Talking about the
potential of Tangkahan tourist attraction, development still needs to be done so that it becomes the
most popular main tourist destination in Langkat Regency. Therefore, a well-developed tourist
attraction development strategy is needed. This study aims to determine and explain the strategy of
developing Tangkahan tourist attraction Gunung Leuser National Park as a tourist destination area
of Langkat Regency using SWOT analysis. The type of research used in this study is qualitative with a
descriptive method approach. Data collection techniques are used in three ways, namely observation,
interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques by reducing data, presenting data (data
display), and concluting drawing. Tangkahan, an ecotourism destination hidden in the jungle
hinterland of North Sumatra, offers alluring natural beauty, including lush tropical forests, crystal
clear rivers, and stunning mountain panoramas. However, this tremendous ecotourism potential has
not been fully tapped, with tourist arrivals still relatively low. Therefore, this study aims to formulate
a Tangkahan ecotourism development strategy that aims to increase tourist visits. The research
method used is a qualitative study involving SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
Threats) to evaluate the current situation and determine the strategic direction of Tangkahan
ecotourism development. Through interviews with local stakeholders, tourist surveys, and secondary
data analysis, the study identified internal and external factors influencing ecotourism development in
Tangkahan. The results of the SWOT analysis revealed that Tangkahan has potential strengths in its
natural diversity, strong conservation efforts, and local community involvement. However, there are
weaknesses related to limited infrastructure, lack of promotion, and deficiencies in management
capacity. On the other hand, there are significant opportunities in increasing environmental
awareness, infrastructure development, and partnerships with international conservation agencies.
However, Tangkahan ecotourism is also faced with threats such as climate change, destination
competition, and illegal activities. Based on the analysis, a series of strategies for the development of
Tangkahan ecotourism were prepared, including increased promotion and marketing, development of
tourism infrastructure, training and capacitation of local communities, and supervision of illegal
activities. By implementing this strategy holistically and sustainably, it is hoped that Tangkahan can
become a sustainable and attractive ecotourism destination for tourists looking for authentic nature
experiences.

Keywords: Ecotourism, Destination Development, SWOT Analysis, Tangkahan, North Sumatra.


I. INTRODUCTION
Tangkahan, a tourism destination hidden in the
jungles of North Sumatra, has tremendous potential for
sustainable ecotourism development. With its stunning
natural wealth, including dense tropical forests, crystal
clear rivers, and diverse wildlife, Tangkahan has
become an attraction for nature lovers and adventurers
alike. Ecotourism development in Tangkahan is not
just a necessity for the growth of the tourism industry,
but also an effort to protect its fragile natural
environment and strengthen the local economy. By
combining nature conservation efforts and
empowering local communities, the ecotourism
development strategy in Tangkahan has the potential to
become a sustainable model in tourism destination
management. In this context, this introduction aims to
summarize the urgent need for an ecotourism
development strategy in Tangkahan, focusing on
increasing tourist visits. An in-depth analysis will be
conducted to identify the potentials, challenges and
opportunities associated with ecotourism development
in the region. The end goal is to develop a strategy
based on the principles of sustainable development,
taking into account ecological, social, and economic
interests. Through a collaborative approach involving
the government, local communities, and other
stakeholders, it is hoped that this strategy can create a
significant positive impact on Tangkahan and the
surrounding region. With attention to sustainability,
community participation, and wise management,
ecotourism development in Tangkahan has the
potential to provide long-term benefits for the
environment, economy, and local culture. In the next
discussion, we will analyze in detail the challenges and
opportunities faced by Tangkahan in the development
of ecotourism, as well as concrete steps that can be
taken to increase tourist visits in a sustainable manner.
II. METHODOLOGY
SWOT analysis is one method of developing
conditions and evaluating a problem contained in
Tangkahan Ecotourism or concepts based on
internal factors (inside) and external factors
(namely strengths, weaknesses, 0pp0rtunities and
threats. to find a strategy to be carried out SWOT
analysis is the Tangkahan Ecotourism
Development Strategy.
a. Strengths
Tangkahan is known for its natural beauty,
including lush tropical forests, crystal clear rivers,
III. ANALYSIS RESULTS
3
and stunning mountain panoramas, which attract
tourists looking for an authentic nature experience.
This destination provides habitat for various
species of flora and fauna, including the rare
Sumatran elephant, which can be a major attraction
for ecotourism. The friendly local community and
rich culture provide authentic cultural experiences
for visitors, including opportunities to engage in
traditional activities.
b. Disadvantages (weaknesses)
The cleanliness factor is less cared about by
managers and visitors so that there is still a lot of
garbage found and can reduce to the natural beauty
of Tangkahan. Limited transportation access and
lack of adequate tourism facilities can be obstacles
to the development of Tangkahan destinations. The
lack of widespread promotion and marketing of
this destination can limit the number of potential
visitors who can enjoy the beauty and diversity of
Tangkahan.
c. Opportunities
Environmental education and awareness programs
organized by governments and NGOs can help
increase understanding of the importance of nature
conservation among local communities and
visitors. Support from the government and non-
governmental organizations for ecotourism
development in Tangkahan Destinations The use of
digital platforms and social media to promote
Tangkahan destinations globally can increase their
visibility and attract interest from wider market
segments.
d. Threats
Increasing the number of local tourists and foreign
tourists which will result in the environment
around the tourist area in addition to illegal
logging, pollution will also threaten Tangkahan's
natural tourism. Competition with other tourist
destinations that offer similar experiences can
reduce Tangkahan's appeal as a top destination for
tourists. Illegal activities such as timber theft and
poaching of wild animals can damage the natural
ecosystem of Tangkahan Namo Sialang and disturb
the habitat of protected wildlife such as Sumatran
elephants.

NO DIMENSI PERNYATAAN
1 KEKUATAN Tangkahan terkenal dengan keindahan alamnya,
termasuk hutan tropis yang subur, sungai yang jernih,
dan panorama pegunungan yang menakjubkan, yang
menarik para wisatawan yang mencari pengalaman
alam yang autentik
Destinasi ini menyediakan habitat bagi berbagai
spesies flora dan fauna, termasuk gajah Sumatera yang
langka, yang dapat menjadi daya tarik utama bagi
ekowisata.
Masyarakat setempat yang ramah dan budaya yang
kaya memberikan pengalaman budaya yang otentik
bagi para pengunjung, termasuk kesempatan untuk
2 KELEMAHAN
terlibat dalam kegiatan tradisional.
Faktor kebersihan yang kurang di pedulikan oleh
pengelolah dan pengunjung sehingga masih banyak di
temukan sampah dan dapat mengurangi ke indahan
alam Tangkahan.
Akses transportasi yang terbatas dan kurangnya
fasilitas pariwisata yang memadai dapat menjadi
hambatan bagi pengembangan destinasi tangkahan
Kurangnya promosi dan pemasaran destinasi ini secara
luas dapat membatasi jumlah pengunjung potensial
yang dapat menikmati keindahan dan keanekaragaman
Tangkahan.
3 PELUANG Program-program pendidikan dan kesadaran
lingkungan yang diselenggarakan oleh pemerintah dan
LSM dapat membantu meningkatkan pemahaman
tentang pentingnya pelestarian alam di kalangan
masyarakat lokal dan pengunjung.
Dukungan dari pemerintah dan organisasi non-
pemerintah untuk pengembangan ekowisata di
Destinasi Tangkahan
Pemanfaatan platform digital dan media sosial untuk
mempromosikan destinasi Tangkahan secara global
dapat meningkatkan visibilitasnya dan menarik minat
dari segmen pasar yang lebih luas.
ANCAMAN Meningkatkan jumlah para wisatawan lokal dan
4 wisatawan mancanegara yang akan berakibat pada
lingkungan di sekitar kawasan wisata selain illegal
logging, polusi juga akan mengancam wisata alam
Tangkahan
Persaingan dengan destinasi wisata lain yang
menawarkan pengalaman serupa dapat mengurangi daya
tarik Tangkahan sebagai tujuan utama bagi para
wisatawan.
Kegiatan ilegal seperti pencurian kayu dan perburuan
hewan liar dapat merusak ekosistem alami Tangkahan
Namo Sialang dan mengganggu habitat satwa liar yang
dilindungi seperti gajah Sumatera.
The following are the results of the SWOT
analysis of the Tangkahan Ecotourism
Development Strategy to Increase Tourist Visits.
The results showed that each respondent gave
varying values. The calculation of respondents'
scores is based on the average value of all
respondents.
IV. CASE ANALYSIS
1. Strength
 Natural Beauty
Tangkahan is known for its natural beauty which
includes lush tropical forests, clear rivers, and
stunning mountain panoramas. The existence of
unspoiled tropical forests and clean rivers
provides an authentic nature experience for
visitors. This is the main attraction for tourists
who want to get away from the urban crowd and
blend with nature
 Milieu
Environmental education and awareness programs
organized by governments and NGOs have an
important role to play In enhancing these programs,
communities can be given an understanding of
conservation values, the negative impacts of
environmentally destructive behavior, and ways to
contribute to the preservation of nature. Environmental
education starting from an early age to adulthood can
shape attitudes and behaviors that care for the
environment.
 Environmental Conservation Challenges
2
PENILAIAN
STS TS KS S SS Although tourism has a positive impact on the
0 1 0 6 3 economy and environmental conservation, there are
also challenges that need to be overcome. An increase
in tourist numbers can cause pressure on natural
1 1 0 4 4
ecosystems, including environmental damage and
2 1 0 3 4
degradation of wildlife habitats. Therefore, wise and
sustainable tourism management is indispensable to
0 0 0 6 4 ensure that Tangkahan's natural beauty can be enjoyed
by future generations.
0 0 0 7 3 .
2. Debilitation
0 1 0 6 3  Lack of Attention to Hygiene
The problem of garbage that is still widely found in
2 0 0 4 4 Tangkahan shows the lack of attention from managers
and visitors to cleanliness. These garbage can reduce
2 0 0 3 5
natural beauty and damage local ecosystems.
Managers and visitors need to raise awareness of the
2 0 0 2 6 importance of maintaining a clean environment and
implementing an effective waste management system.
Limited Transportation Access and Tourism Facilities.
0 0 0 8 2
Limited transportation access and lack of adequate
tourism facilities can be obstacles to the development
0 0 0 7 3
of Tangkahan destinations. This limitation can hinder
0 0 0 6 4 the potential number of visitors who want to visit
Tangkahan. Improvement of transportation
infrastructure and improvement of tourism facilities
such as accommodation, restaurants, and other public
facilities can increase attractiveness and comfort for
tourists.
Lack of Promotion and Marketing.
The lack of widespread promotion and marketing of
Tangkahan destinations can also limit the number of
potential visitors. Although Tangkahan has amazing
natural potential, if it is not promoted properly, many
people may not realize its existence or not choose it as
a tourist destination. Greater efforts are needed in the
promotion and marketing of these destinations
nationally and internationally, through various
platforms such as social media, websites, and tourism
promotion campaigns.
3. Chance
 Milieu:
Environmental education and awareness programs
organized by governments and NGOs have an
important role to play In enhancing these programs,
communities can be given an understanding of
conservation values, the negative impacts of
environmentally destructive behavior, and ways to
contribute to the preservation of nature. Environmental
education starting from an early age to adulthood can
shape attitudes and behaviors that care for the
environment.
 Support from Government and NGOs for
Ecotourism:
The support provided by the government and non-
governmental organizations is very important in the
development of ecotourism in Tangkahan Destination.
The government can provide regulations that support
sustainable ecotourism development, including

environmental management and nature conservation.
NGOs can also play a role in providing resources and
technical support for ecotourism management, as well
as advocating for better environmental policies.
 Utilization of Digital Platforms and Social
Media:
The use of digital platforms and social media can
be an effective tool in promoting Tangkahan
destinations globally. Through engaging and
informative content, such as photos, videos, and
travel stories, these destinations can be promoted
to a wider audience in different parts of the world.
In addition, promotional campaigns through social
media can also involve community participation
by encouraging them to share their experiences in
Tangkahan, thereby increasing visibility and
attracting interest from wider market segments.
4. Threat
 Environmental Impact of Tourism
Infrastructure Provision:
The increasing number of tourists can lead to an
increase in tourism infrastructure development,
such as roads, inns, and other public facilities.
This development can threaten Tangkahan's
natural environment by damaging natural habitats,
changing river flow patterns, and increasing the
risk of water and air pollution.
 Competition with Other Tourist Destinations:
Competition with other tourist destinations that
offer similar experiences can reduce the appeal of
Tangkahan as a top destination for tourists. This
can result in a decrease in visitor numbers and
income, which then has a negative impact on
environmental conservation efforts and the
welfare of local communities.
 Impact of Illegal Activities:
Illegal activities such as timber theft and poaching of
wild animals can damage Tangkahan's natural
ecosystem. Timber theft can lead to widespread
deforestation, while poaching of wild animals can
upset the balance of ecosystems and threaten
endangered species such as Sumatran elephants.
Tighter law enforcement efforts and better oversight
are needed to protect Tangkahan from these illegal
activities. In facing these challenges, a holistic and
sustainable approach is needed. Environmental
protection measures, such as enforcement of
environmental regulations and species conservation
efforts, must be accompanied by responsible and
sustainable tourism development strategies.
Collaborative efforts between the government, local
communities, non-governmental organizations, and
tourism actors are needed to ensure that Tangkahan
remains an attractive natural tourism destination while
maintaining environmental sustainability and the well-
being of local communities.
3
V. DISCUSSION
The existence of Tangkahan ecotourism in
the TNGL area has uniqueness and high
biodiversity is a potential attraction in itself.
The growing and attracting interest of visitors
to Tangkahan resources has caused many
actors and actors involved in its
implementation, thus creating diversity in the
implementation of interests that are different
from the real purpose of forming ecotourism
in Tangkahan. There is an overlap of authority
between local communities, regional
stakeholders and local governments in area
management consisting of institutions, human
resources, facilities / infrastructure, and other
technical problems caused by the uncharted
stakeholders according to their importance to
the function of Tangkahan and the needs and
aspirations of each stakeholder have not been
accommodated properly. The implementation
of the role of each stakeholder and the support
of policies and laws and regulations are
needed in the development of Tangkahan
ecotourism by the government and parties
through cooperation mechanisms between
stakeholders. This study aims to develop a
strategy for the development of Tangkahan
ecotourism governance through the
identification of roles, patterns of relationships
and needs of stakeholders, identification of
laws and regulations and development
policies, as well as the formulation of
strategies for developing ecotourism
governance. The location of research activities
was carried out in the Gunung Leuser National
Park (TNGL) area. Tangkahan ecotourism
area is administratively located in 2 village
areas, namely Namo Sialang Village and Sei
Serdang Village, Batang Serangan District,
Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. The study
was conducted from September 2020 to
December 2020. The method used in this
study is from the aspects of roles,
relationships, and needs carried out with
stakeholder analysis, while the policy aspect is
carried out with Policy analysis. The next
stage is the SWOT matrix analysis. The
results showed that the parties that have the
highest level of importance and influence in
the management of Tangkahan Ecotourism are
BBTNGL, Disbupar Langkat and LPT. While
the lowest influence and importance are
owned by Namosialang Village, Sei Serdang
Village, PTPN 2 and community leaders.
Where these stakeholders represent
government, community, and non-government
parties. Planning and preparation for the
development of Tangkahan Ecotourism is a

form of collaborative management of
Ecotourism as an implementation of the
Regulation of the Minister of Forestry
(Permenhut) No. P.19 / Menhut-II / 2004
concerning collaboration in the management
of natural resource areas and nature
conservation areas. The preparation of human
resources and infrastructure is the main
component in tourism in the Gunung Leuser
National Park Area.
VI. CONCLUSION
With Tangkahan is an important example
or success story of the relationship between
the park and the community. After 20 years of
running this initiative, they managed to protect
the national park from illegal logging,
encroachment, and massive poaching.
Comparisons with Lifeboat areas provide clear
evidence; When local communities have the
opportunity to generate alternative local
economic activities that significantly increase
their incomes, not from the point of view of
illegal logging, encroachment, and poaching,
but from the point of view of ecotourism, they
are willing to maintain the national park in a
more collective way. based on their collective
consciousness at the local level. The
Tangkahan initiative can be seen as a
community-based ecotourism success story.
Another lesson to be learned from Tangkahan
is the good forest cover in the park near
Tangkahan compared to the Lifeboat area.
However, regular monitoring and evaluation
still needs to be carried out by involving key
stakeholders as a basis for improving various
aspects in the regional institution, namely
LPT. Park authorities should play a neutral
role and provide assistance if there is a
conflict, or review the operation and
performance of LPTs to strike a balance
between revenue generation from ecotourism
and its impact on the environment and park
protection. National parks cannot be managed
alone from local communities. Collaborative
adaptive management, or partnership creation,
is an important policy strategy today and in
the future. This requires intensive assistance
from national park authorities and NGOs from
the beginning of initiation. Participatory and
open monitoring and evaluation involving key
stakeholders is needed to ensure learning
processes between key stakeholders can be
carried out more equitably. This is an
important start to gradually build mutual
respect, trust and benefit, and build an
adaptive collaborative management approach.
Tangkahan achieved its success because the
national park authorities have developed their
2
model by making local communities the main
partners of the park and maintaining the
surrounding park. In addition, the
commitment of LPT members in maintaining
national parks for the past 20 years is the fruit
of strong norms, values, and beliefs between
members. In addition, the results of the FGD
on sustainability show that all three
categories: Social Process Category, Adaptive
Natural Resource Management Category, and
Impact/Condition Category are interrelated,
and this means that collaboration and adaptive
management in Tangkahan have resulted in a
high level of sustainability. humanistic well-
being and maintenance of ecological values,
favoring collaborative processes, and adaptive
levels. The study had some limitations.
Community-based ecotourism initiatives are
proven to still require facilitation and
assistance so that each agreement can be
implemented consistently through a
continuous learning process. Therefore, future
research on monitoring and evaluating the
success of Gunung Leuser National Park still
needs to be carried out to ensure the
continuation of this success.
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