ANALYSIS ON THE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD APPROACH IN RAJA AMPAT

Abstract

Tourism has an important role in the economic growth of a region. One of the
most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and has been worldwide is Raja
Ampat. Raja Ampat has more than 300 tourist objects and the number of visitors
is increasing every year. Due to its popularity sustainable livelihood approach in
Raja Ampat is expected to bring good impact for future generation. The five
important capitals in sustainable livelihood approach. Comprising human capital,
natural capital, financial capital, physical capital, and social capital is able to
increase the income of local people, reduce poverty, create employment, create
prosperity of the people, preserve cultural values and sustainable economy. This
study employed ethnography approach as the research method which is based on
observation of a group of people in natural environment by conducing
observation, interviews, and documentation on data retrieval techniques. The
results of observation on five important capitals in sustainable livelihood
approach, revealed that human capital of the government need to empower the
local community and prepare the young generation with adequate education. In
addition the natural capital, community and visitors need to maintain and take
care of surrounding environment around because human life dependents on
nature. In terms of financial capital, due to the development of tourism sector in
Raja Ampat, local income and local government revenue are increasing. As a
result of the increasing number of tourists visiting Raja Ampa., Physical capital
including facilities and infrastructures needs to be developed to support the needs
visitors of Raja Ampat. Social capital that is harmonious and friendly community
welfare.
Keywords: sustainable development, sustainable livelihood, tourism