Strengthening the Sustainable Economic Ecosystem: Postgraduate Lecturers of UNUJA Initiate Community-Based Tourism in the Thousand Islands

Jakarta, May 2–3, 2026 — Efforts to strengthen a sustainable economic ecosystem grounded in local wisdom continue to be intensified through the development of community-based tourism in the Thousand Islands region. The program, entitled “Development of Community-Based Tourism in the Thousand Islands: An Effort to Strengthen a Sustainable Economic Ecosystem Based on Local Wisdom,” was organized by the Sub-Department of Women Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control (PPAPP) of the Thousand Islands and held at the relevant institutional office.

Serving as the keynote speaker, a postgraduate lecturer at Nurul Jadid University, Dr. Robert Edy Sudarwan, M.Pd., presented strategic approaches to strengthening sustainable economic development through a community-based management framework. In his presentation, he emphasized that the development of community-based tourism must be grounded in scholarly studies of strategic management, community empowerment, and sustainable development principles. This approach aligns with Indonesia’s national policy direction in promoting inclusive development that integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

“Community-based tourism is not merely about increasing tourist arrivals, but also about ensuring equitable distribution of economic benefits for local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and maintaining environmental sustainability,” Dr. Robert stated. He further explained that the primary objectives of this program include strengthening the capacity of local communities as key actors in tourism, enhancing economic welfare based on local potential, and improving the competitiveness of Indonesian tourism destinations at both national and international levels.

The activity was attended by 50 participants representing various stakeholders, including local government officials from village and sub-district levels in the Thousand Islands, local tourism entrepreneurs, homestay managers, tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis), community leaders, as well as representatives from youth and women’s organizations. The presence of these diverse stakeholders reflects a multi-sectoral collaboration in supporting the sustainable development of community-based tourism.

Participants demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm throughout the program. They actively engaged in discussions and explored various implementative strategies applicable to their respective areas. One participant, RH, a homestay manager from Pramuka Island, noted that the materials presented were highly practical and provided new insights into the importance of community-based destination management. “We now better understand how to manage tourism potential professionally without abandoning local values,” he remarked.

Similarly, SA, a representative of a coastal women’s group, highlighted that the program provided strong motivation for communities to achieve greater economic independence. “We are encouraged to innovate in developing tourism products rooted in local culture, such as culinary arts and handicrafts,” she stated. Meanwhile, a representative of the local government emphasized that the program is highly relevant in supporting regional development initiatives oriented toward community empowerment.

Looking ahead, participants expressed their expectation that similar programs will be conducted sustainably with more intensive assistance, including advanced training, program implementation monitoring, and the strengthening of tourism marketing networks. They also আশা a stronger synergy among government, academia, and communities in developing adaptive and globally competitive community-based tourism models.

The involvement of the Postgraduate Program of Nurul Jadid University through its expert contribution represents a tangible manifestation of higher education’s role in community engagement. The academic input provided not only enriched participants’ knowledge but also reinforced the foundation for sustainable tourism development in the Thousand Islands. Therefore, this initiative is expected to serve as a strategic step toward fostering an inclusive, sustainable, and locally grounded economic ecosystem at both national and international levels.