Socio-Economic Community and Marine Resources Status in Supporting Tourist Destination of Small Island in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is one of the countries in the world that has many large islands and thousands of small islands. The small island is a unique environment with a distinctive community life. The main occupations of the people on small islands are generally fishermen and boat owners. This study aims to determine the socio-economic conditions of small islands, especially the livelihoods and incomes of local communities as well as the condition of coastal and shallow marine resources around small islands in supporting the development of marine tourism in one of the small islands in Indonesia. This research was conducted on Barrang Caddi islands, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Data were collected through direct interviews, deep interviews and focus group discussions with local community, local government representatives, traditional leaders and community leaders. Marine resource data is carried out by direct observation and recording in the field. The data collected is analyzed descriptively. During our study, we are found that the main livelihood as fishermen, with an average level of income that is good for their daily life. Besides having a good income, the community also maintains their culture well. Some traditional cultural activities are well developed. This can be an activity that attracts visitors. The findings illustrate those economic conditions with good income are a strong driver in the development of tourist destination in this island. The strength of good tourism is to maintain all the supporting aspect such as cline white sand and marine resources. One of the marine resources that attracts the attention of visitors is coral reefs. Small island communities can increase their income by developing local potential management for marine tourism. Preserving marine resources is a strength that can be developed from marine tourism management. The recommendation of this research is that marine tourism is a prospective social economic development and marine resources strength of the small island.