Local Communities Empowerment within Coastal Tourism Development in West Coastal District

Abstract

Juridical empirical research with the aim finds a model of local communities’ empowerment in coastal tourism development through land tenure arrangements in West Coastal District. The findings of this study states that the district along West Coastal District there are 17 points which have any potential to be developed into coastal tourism. Unfortunately the impacts of coastal tourism development from economic, social and cultural aspects haven’t been enjoyed by the local communities. This happened because the communities are unprepared to welcome tourists, and lack of coordination between local government and tour operator. Rights to land control in the coastal zone within the tourist development dominant with land ownership status, there were indications of land ownership by foreigners who could potentially cause disputes. There are 11 accommodation managed by husband and wife (citizen-foreigner) from 33 accommodation in West Coastal District. The model is offered in the cooperation with foreign parties in the form of granting Use Rights to property, rental property to foreigners, or by getting up operations and transfer (BOT). Hopefully this model will encourage welfare and survival of west coastal communities so they don't become coolies/porters in their own country.

Keywords: Coastal Tourism, Foreigner, Empowerment