Tourism, Conservation, and Justice: Balancing Economic Gains with Environmental Protection in Indonesia

Abstract

As one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Indonesia faces significant challenges in balancing tourism growth with the need to conserve its natural resources. This paper explores the intersection of tourism, environmental conservation, and social justice, focusing on the impact of tourism on protected areas such as Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat, and Bromo-Tengger-Semeru. Through an analysis of environmental policies, industry practices, and local community perspectives, the study investigates how tourism contributes to environmental degradation, including deforestation, coral reef damage, and waste pollution, while also providing economic benefits. The paper critically assesses the effectiveness of existing conservation policies and sustainable tourism initiatives, arguing that they often fail to address the inequities experienced by local communities, who bear the brunt of environmental damage while receiving little of the financial benefit. The research concludes by recommending policies that integrate environmental justice principles into tourism development, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are equitably distributed, and that environmental protection is prioritized.