- Authors: Triana Ahdiati
- From: Political Science Department of Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Central Java, Indonesia
Abstract:
This research-based paper examines Segara Anakan lagoon in Central Java, Indonesia as a valuable and full of potential for developing ecotourism. At the same time, this isolated area is also facing challenges of poverty and vulnerable place for various types of disasters. Segara Anakan is a significant environmental zone with many unique ecosystem features in which its location is under the threat of illegal land reclamation and timber theft, which have caused great damage. Various efforts have been done in coping these situations, however, these efforts have been failed to solve the core problem. This study aimed at explaining disaster management through ecotourism development by focusing on sustainability aspect in reducing disaster risk which is carried out effectively. At this point, local community capacity enhancement is the main focus aside from environment that can increase economical resilience and community culture in creating the sustainability. By taking a site in the Segara Anakan Lagoon of Cilacap, the data of the research are collected by doing in-depth interview, observation, documenting study and focus-group discussion. The result shows that the ecotourism potentials in Segara Anakan Lagoon is remarkable but prone to disasters. Unfortunately, there are on-going conflicts between the local people and the local government in developing ecotourism for disaster risk reduction because the development is unorganized and scattered. In short, the creation of community-based ecotourism in a poor area like Kampung Laut Sub- District is an effective way to reduce the disaster risks in the surrounding area of Segara Anakan Lagoon.
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