Geotourisms in Cibenda Village: Potencies of Sustainable Tourism in Ciletuh – Palabuhanratu Geopark after COVID–19 Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic, which is still lasting from the end of 2019 until the 1st quarter of 2022, has influenced and altered the tourism paradigms before and after pandemic. The changes are not only adapting health protocols to minimize the pandemic outbreaks but also the tourism reborn from mass tourism into sustainable tourism. This research is investigating the geotourism activities in Cibenda village and its potencies of sustainable tourism found in geosites of the village which are included as geoarea of Ciletuh – Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark. Qualitative descriptive method with a case study was used in this research. The data used are primary and secondary ones which were taken by observation, open interview with prominent people of Cibenda, and literature studies. This research’s results show that Cibenda village has potential tourism attractions with their geodiversity, biodiversity and cultural diversity providing something to see, something to do and something to learn. Furthermore, the geotourism activities in Cibenda are in accordance with the concept of quality adventure tourism and in line with sustainable tourism principles i.e. balancing the environmental conservation, local economic empowerment, as well as social and culture preservation which comply with the health protocols of COVID-19 and the necessities of tourism activities after pandemic.

Social, Economic, and Religious Behavior in The Tradition of The Labuh Saji Ceremony

“…One of the traditional ceremonies that live and develop in Palabuhanratu Sukabumi, West Java, is a concrete manifestation of people's behavior that respects their ancestors. One of them is the traditional Labuh saji ceremony carried out by the coastal fishing community of Palabuhanratu as an expression of gratitude to Sang Hyang Widi, who provides prosperity in their lives (Maryani, 2018;Syaifudin, 2022). This ceremony is a hereditary tradition of the Palabuhanratu fishing community to pay homage to a daughter named Nyai Puteri Mayangsagara or Nyai Puteri Mayangsari for her concern for the welfare of fishermen at that time.…”

Coastal Scenic Assessment in Pangandaran District, West Java Province, Indonesia

“…The Indonesian tourism industry continues to be developed to become the leading national economic sector based on the development of natural and cultural resources, with the coastal areas being the main tourism resource for Indonesia; therefore, many of Indonesia's coastal areas are developed for tourism (Antara and Sumarniasih, 2017;Bottema and Bush, 2012;Briandana et al, 2018;Hakim et al, 2018;Hengky and Kikvidze, 2021;Kurniawati et al, 2022;Rosadi et al, 2022;Tranter et al, 2022). For example, the southern coast of West Java, which is administratively under the Province of West Java and part of the southern coast of Java, is one of the areas developed as a natural tourist destination because it has the potential for natural resources from its geomorphological diversity, such as mountains, cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and white sand beaches, so that it is also prioritised as an area for environmental protection and cultural conservation (Putri and Supriatna, 2021;Rizal et al, 2020;Syaifudin and Hendarmawan, 2022;Zuvara et al, 2022). On the other hand, the southern coast of West Java, as well as the entire southern coast of Java facing the Indian Ocean, has higher wave energy and steeper shores than the coasts that do not face the Indian Ocean (Aji et al, 2021;Rizal et al, 2019;Wahyudie et al, 2020).…”