Public-Private Partnership Model to Manage Coastal Tourism in Indonesia: Can It Improve the Community Welfare?

Abstract

The public-private partnership and local communities play an important role in the development of coastal tourism. The welfare of coastal communities depends on the synergy of the partnership built. The study aimed to determine (1) the management of coastal tourism by public-private partnerships and local communities, (2) the balance between the public-private partnerships and local communities in coastal tourism management, and (3) the contribution of coastal tourism management to community welfare. A mixed method approach was used in the research. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, semi-open questionnaires, and documentation. The results showed that the management of coastal tourism developed through a public-private partnership between private institutions, regional governments, and community groups was properly implemented. The balance of partnerships between the Forest Village Community Organization (Lembaga Masyarakat Desa Hutan), Tourism Awareness Group (Kelompok Sadar Wisata or POKDARWIS), and local communities was well implemented in many community activities around the tourism area. The public-private partnership established with a mutually beneficial agreement was able to improve the community welfare.