TJEI ON AIR #6: Ecotourism – Solution or Illusion? Stories of Local Action Facing Global Challenges
INDECON is back with another inspiring discussion forum, TJEI ON AIR #6: Ecotourism—Solution or Illusion? Stories of Local Action Facing Global Challenges. This discussion provides a platform for ecotourism enthusiasts, practitioners, and stakeholders to share their experiences and insights on whether ecotourism is a tool for environmental conservation or merely an empty promise with no real impact.
When Ecotourism Is Driven by Principles, Not Just a Marketing Gimmick
Two inspiring figures joined this discussion: Saptoyo, Chairman of Bhakti Alam Sendangbiru Foundation (CMC Tiga Warna) and recipient of the ASEAN Tourism Award 2025 in the Community-Based Tourism category, along with Natashi Fadhlin, Founder of Lestari Mangrove dan Alam (LEVA), who actively works on mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation in Indonesia.
Moderated by Wita Simatupang, the discussion opened with a pressing reality: 2023 was recorded as the hottest year in history, and by 2024, global temperatures had already surpassed the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels. Amid this climate crisis, ecotourism is seen as a mitigation and adaptation strategy, but how effective is it?
CMC Tiga Warna: Restoring Nature Through Ecotourism
Saptoyo emphasized that ecotourism can indeed be a solution—but only when implemented with responsible principles. Clungup Mangrove Conservation (CMC Tiga Warna) in South Malang stands as a real-world example of how conservation and community empowerment can go hand in hand.
“When ecotourism is carried out responsibly and correctly, it can be a real solution. But if it’s merely a marketing gimmick with no proper principles in place, then it’s nothing more than an illusion.” — Saptoyo
Since 2012, CMC Tiga Warna has demonstrated how conservation efforts can align with community empowerment. The area once suffered from degradation due to land conversion for shrimp farming and banana plantations post-1998. However, thanks to collective efforts by the fishermen of Tambakrejo Village, the ecosystem was restored through the Green Belt program.
The impact? Out of 81 hectares of damaged mangrove forests, over 60.7 hectares have been successfully rehabilitated, with 51.5 hectares of mangrove forest now thriving within the 74.59-hectare conservation area. This restoration plays a key role in climate change mitigation, with increasing carbon sequestration capacity.
Biodiversity has also flourished, with the number of mangrove species increasing to 45. A significant milestone was the return of olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) to lay eggs after more than 20 years of absence. These achievements highlight that coastal ecosystem restoration is possible through collaboration between communities, local organizations, and key stakeholders, offering both ecological benefits and sustainable economic opportunities through community-based ecotourism.
More than just a tourist destination, CMC Tiga Warna serves as an education hub for visitors. Tourists don’t just admire the scenery—they participate in mangrove tours, beach clean-ups, and sustainable snorkeling activities, proving that with dedication and commitment, ecotourism can be a real solution.
LEVA: Protecting Mangroves, Strengthening Communities
Next, Natashi Fadhlin shared the story of LEVA (Lestari Mangrove dan Alam), which focuses on coastal ecosystem conservation. For her, mangrove rehabilitation is not just about planting trees—it’s about empowering coastal communities to engage in sustainable environmental conservation.
As part of its mission, LEVA runs several key programs:
- Mangrove Conservation & Rehabilitation – Planting and maintaining mangrove ecosystems across Indonesia.
- Edutourism – Educational tourism activities, including mangrove planting, coral transplantation, and visits to seahorse habitats and ecotourism areas.
- Community Consultation & Empowerment – Training and collaborations with local communities to support sustainable ecotourism and conservation efforts.
LEVA has also established partnerships with organizations such as Mangrove PIK, which is a mangrove rehabilitation site and educational tourism destination.
“We want to ensure that ecotourism is not just about nature exploration, but also about education and real action.” — Natashi Fadhlin
Bridging Humans and Nature in Ecotourism
The discussion became more engaging as participants started asking questions. One of the most intriguing was:
“How can we create harmony between humans and nature through ecotourism?”
Saptoyo emphasized that balance can only be achieved if communities stay connected to local wisdom and conservation values. In other words, ecotourism must generate economic benefits without harming the environment. He also stressed the importance of education, as conservation efforts are unlikely to succeed without proper awareness.
Another participant asked, “How do we teach children to love nature from an early age?”
Saptoyo responded that direct interaction with nature is the best way to cultivate environmental awareness. At CMC Tiga Warna, children engage in mangrove planting and marine conservation education, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Natashi added that experiential learning should be integrated into school curriculums and supported by government regulations.
The Need for Ecotourism Regulations
Regulatory challenges in ecotourism were also discussed. Indonesia currently lacks specific regulations governing ecotourism, though sustainability principles remain the foundation—protecting the environment, involving local communities, educating visitors, and prioritizing empowerment over-exploitation.
Closing Remarks: The True Challenge in Sustainable Ecotourism
As the session concluded, Ary S. Suhandi, Executive Director of INDECON, reinforced that ecotourism is not just about travel—it is a tool for harmonizing human and environmental interactions. However, he also pointed out that greed remains the biggest obstacle to sustainable ecotourism.
“To achieve balance, greed must be controlled. Without restraint, exploitation will persist and ecosystems will suffer. True ecotourism is about shifting mindsets and behaviors—not just among tourists, but also within local communities and stakeholders.”
With the success stories from CMC Tiga Warna and LEVA, TJEI ON AIR #6 highlighted that ecotourism is not an illusion—but a tangible solution when managed responsibly.
