Tourism and Environmental Justice: The Role of Policy in Protecting Indonesia’s Natural Heritage

Abstract

Indonesia’s tourism sector heavily depends on its vast natural heritage, including pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and diverse wildlife. However, the rapid growth of tourism has resulted in significant environmental degradation, threatening the very resources that attract visitors. This paper examines the role of environmental justice in Indonesia’s tourism policies, focusing on the challenges of balancing tourism development with conservation efforts. Using case studies from major tourist destinations like Bali, Komodo Island, and the Gili Islands, the research investigates the environmental impacts of tourism, including deforestation, coral reef destruction, and waste management issues. The study critically evaluates current policies aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and protecting Indonesia’s natural resources, highlighting gaps in enforcement, accountability, and stakeholder involvement. The paper argues that while policy frameworks exist, they often lack adequate implementation and fail to address the inequities experienced by local communities, who are often disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. The research proposes a more inclusive approach to policy-making, where local communities, environmental NGOs, and tourism businesses collaborate to create a sustainable tourism model that both protects the environment and ensures the equitable distribution of tourism benefits.