Upaya Membangun Desa Mandiri Melalui Ekowisata Sebagai Strategi Pengelolaan Interaksi Negatif Manusia-Satwa Liar di Desa Batu Jong-Jong Kabupaten Langkat

Abstract

Batu Jong-Jong Village is a buffer zone directly bordering the Gunung Leuser National Park and faces ongoing conflicts between humans and wildlife, such as elephants and tigers. This study aims to examine the community’s understanding of ecotourism as a conflict mitigation strategy and to assess the potential for developing ecotourism as a means to build a self-reliant village. The research employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches through observation, interviews, and questionnaires distributed to 84 respondents. The findings reveal that the majority of the community understands the concept of ecotourism and supports its development as a solution to wildlife conflict, although dissatisfaction remains regarding previous mitigation efforts. The tourism potential assessment using the ADO-ODTWA method yields a feasibility index of 70.71%, indicating that the area is suitable for ecotourism development. Natural attractions such as the corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum), waterfalls, caves, and endemic wildlife serve as key draws. The study concludes that ecotourism can be a strategic approach to building a self-reliant village that coexists harmoniously with wildlife conservation while enhancing community welfare sustainably.