Partisipasi Masyarakat dalam Pengembangan Pariwisata Air Terjun Sipisopiso Kecamatan Merek Kabupaten Karo Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Sipisopiso Waterfall is one of the natural attractions located in Karo Regency, precisely in Merek District which is located between Tongging Village and Pangambatan Village. This tourist attraction is one of the tours that has so much potential to be developed. Not only because of the greater number of tourist visits and not only because there is a lot of interest from domestic and foreign tourists, but also because of the natural beauty that tourists can enjoy around the waterfall. However, until now there has been no significant development that has occurred in Sipisopiso Waterfall tourism. The purpose of this study was to determine how community participation in the development of Sipisopiso Waterfall tourism in Merek District, Karo Regency. By using descriptive qualitative research methods. And data collection with observation, interview and documentation methods. The main informants in this study are people who live in the Sipisopiso Waterfall tourist attraction and become business managers, including two business manager, one parking attendant and one janitor. The key informants are the Head of Tourism and the Sipisopiso Waterfall distribution coordinator. As well as additional informants, namely the Pangambatan Village Government, community leaders, and the Head of Pangambatan Village POKDARWIS. The data obtained in the field was then analyzed qualitatively. The results of the research obtained by community participation in tourism development include in the form of thoughts, namely, the position of adding facilities in the form of information boards and public toilets. Community participation in the form of labor, namely, through community involvement as management and cleaning officers of Sipisopiso waterfall tourism. Community participation in the form of thoughts and energy is empowering the results of community creativity to create marketable souvenirs.