Belitung Regency, recognized as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, is now at the forefront of sustainable ecotourism development in Indonesia. A recent study provides in-depth insights into how collaboration between various stakeholders—government, private sector, local communities, and civil society—has become the key to shaping an environmentally friendly tourism future in the region.

These findings were presented by Dr. Wahyudi Utomo during his doctoral promotion session in Administrative Science at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI), held at the EDISI 2020 Auditorium, Building M, 4th Floor, FIA UI Depok, on Monday (August 26, 2024).

Through his dissertation, titled Designing Collaborative Governance for Geopark Ecotourism in Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Province, Dr. Wahyudi aimed to analyze the initial conditions and dimensions influencing collaborative governance in Belitung Geopark ecotourism and to develop a dynamic governance model for sustainable ecotourism in the region.

“This research, which focuses on collaborative governance in ecotourism, reveals that the primary driver behind Belitung’s success as a global tourism destination is the synergy established among local actors. Trust, cultural values, and social networks—collectively known as social capital—have played a crucial role in enabling different parties to work together toward a common goal: sustainable and inclusive tourism,” explained Dr. Wahyudi.

One of the most prominent findings of the study, according to Dr. Wahyudi, is the critical role of social capital—comprising trust, cultural norms, and social networks—in fostering and maintaining effective collaboration. In Belitung Regency, collaboration is not only driven by government policy but also by bottom-up local initiatives, particularly through the active role of Geosites Communities and Tourism Villages.

The research also enhances the collaborative governance model proposed by Ansell and Gash by incorporating social capital as a key dimension supporting the success of collaborative processes. This emphasizes that sustainable ecotourism development in Belitung cannot solely rely on formal structures but also depends on the strength of local communities to foster trust and synergy among stakeholders.

“The impact of this collaborative governance model is already becoming apparent. International recognition from UNESCO, the increasing number of hotels and accommodations, and the shift in the local economy from mining to tourism are tangible evidence of the strategy’s success. The people of Belitung are now beginning to understand and harness the potential of tourism as a sustainable source of income, contributing to increased Regional Original Revenue (PAD) and overall community welfare,” he added.

Dr. Wahyudi also provided recommendations based on his research for the local government to establish a formal discussion forum as an effective communication platform among stakeholders and to implement clear and enforceable regulations. Additionally, he suggested that efforts to encourage active participation from local communities in ecotourism activities should be intensified to enhance public understanding of ecotourism management and its benefits.

During the doctoral promotion session, Dr. Wahyudi became the 49th doctoral graduate from the Faculty of Administrative Sciences and the 237th in Administrative Science, earning the distinction of cum laude (with honors).

The doctoral promotion session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Bernardus Yuliarto Nugroho, MSM, Ph.D., with Dr. Effy Zalfiana Rusfian, M.Si., serving as the main advisor and Prof. Dr. Martani Huseini as the co-advisor. The examination panel included Dr. Frans Teguh, M.A., C.H.E.; Dr. Andre Notohamijoyo, MSM; Dr. Andreo Wahyudi Atmoko, M.Si.; and Dr. Fibria Indriati D. L., M.Si.