Traditional Karo Tribe House in Dokan Cultural Village

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 80 views

Introduction

Tourism has become a vital sector for humans, not only increasing a country's foreign exchange but also serving as a bridge to introduce the natural and cultural wealth of a region to the world. In the era of the ASEAN Economic Community, the ecotourism industry in North Sumatra has a great opportunity to develop. However, the tourism industry in North Sumatra still faces several challenges, including a relatively homogeneous tourist product and inadequate supporting infrastructure.

The Importance of Local Wisdom-Based Ecotourism

Local wisdom-based ecotourism is a unique approach to developing tourism that focuses on the cultural and natural heritage of a region. This approach has the potential to improve the welfare of local communities and preserve the culture and environment. By integrating local wisdom into tourism products, a region can become a unique and attractive tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

Potential of Local Wisdom-Based Ecotourism in the Aek Nauli-Merek Section

This study aims to identify the potential of local wisdom-based ecotourism along the Lake Toba Outer Ring Path, especially in the Aek Nauli-Merek section. The research reveals the potential of local wisdom-based ecotourism in the brand sub-district, including:

Traditional Karo Tribe House in Dokan Cultural Village

The traditional Karo tribe house in Dokan Cultural Village is a cultural heritage that is full of meaning and can be a tourist attraction. This traditional house is a physical form that can be seen and touched, making it a tangible form of local wisdom.

SIRA Ritual Ritual

The SIRA ritual ritual is an important part of the Karo culture that can be displayed in the form of tourist attractions. This traditional ritual is an intangible form of local wisdom that is derived verbally from generation to generation.

Joroh Joroh Attraction

The Joroh Joroh attraction is an area that offers natural beauty that can be developed into a unique natural attraction. This area has the potential to become a popular tourist destination for those who love nature and adventure.

Practices for the Development of Local Wisdom-Based Ecotourism

This study also found several practices for the development of local wisdom-based ecotourism along the Lake Toba Nauli-Merek Outer Raine. The practices include:

Attitude of Togetherness (Mutual Cooperation)

The local community has a high spirit of mutual cooperation in developing tourism. This attitude of togetherness is essential for the success of local wisdom-based ecotourism.

A Sense of Kinship

The local people show friendliness and familiarity in welcoming tourists. This sense of kinship is a unique aspect of local wisdom-based ecotourism that sets it apart from other forms of tourism.

Peace

The calm and peaceful atmosphere in the region provides a sense of comfort for tourists. This peaceful atmosphere is a result of the local community's commitment to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable tourism.

Hospitality

The local people are known to be friendly and friendly with tourists. This hospitality is a key aspect of local wisdom-based ecotourism that makes tourists feel welcome and valued.

Concern for Others

The society has a spirit of humanity and helps each other. This concern for others is a fundamental aspect of local wisdom-based ecotourism that promotes social responsibility and community development.

Harmony

The community is able to resolve conflicts in a peaceful way. This harmony is a result of the local community's commitment to promoting tolerance and understanding.

Good Thinking

The people have a positive spirit in developing tourism. This good thinking is a key aspect of local wisdom-based ecotourism that promotes innovation and creativity.

Enterprising Work

The local people have a hard work morale in supporting the tourism sector. This enterprising work is a result of the local community's commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and economic development.

Obedient

The society obeys the rules and norms that apply. This obedience is a fundamental aspect of local wisdom-based ecotourism that promotes social responsibility and community development.

Education

The active community in educating tourists about culture and the environment. This education is a key aspect of local wisdom-based ecotourism that promotes cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.

Cultural Preservation and Creativity

The society has a high commitment in preserving culture and developing cultural creativity. This cultural preservation and creativity is a result of the local community's commitment to promoting cultural heritage and artistic expression.

Care for the Environment

The society cares about the environment and applies the principles of sustainability in developing tourism. This care for the environment is a fundamental aspect of local wisdom-based ecotourism that promotes environmental sustainability and conservation.

Values Relating to the Health Sector

The community has traditional knowledge and wisdom related to health that can be integrated into tourism products. This traditional knowledge and wisdom is a unique aspect of local wisdom-based ecotourism that promotes cultural preservation and health promotion.

Conclusion

The development of local wisdom-based ecotourism around Lake Toba, especially in the Aek Nauli-Merek section, has great potential to improve the welfare of the local community and preserve the culture and environment. By integrating local wisdom in the development of tourism products, the region can become a unique and attractive tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The local community should continue to develop and promote local wisdom-based ecotourism as a unique and attractive tourist destination.
The government and tourism industry should support the development of local wisdom-based ecotourism by providing resources and infrastructure.
The local community should continue to preserve and promote their cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
The tourism industry should integrate local wisdom into tourism products to promote cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.

By following these recommendations, the development of local wisdom-based ecotourism around Lake Toba, especially in the Aek Nauli-Merek section, can become a successful and sustainable tourism industry that benefits the local community and preserves the culture and environment.

Introduction

Local wisdom-based ecotourism is a unique approach to developing tourism that focuses on the cultural and natural heritage of a region. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about local wisdom-based ecotourism in the Aek Nauli-Merek section.

Q: What is local wisdom-based ecotourism?

A: Local wisdom-based ecotourism is a type of tourism that focuses on the cultural and natural heritage of a region. It involves the development of tourism products and services that are based on the local community's traditional knowledge, customs, and practices.

Q: What are the benefits of local wisdom-based ecotourism?

A: The benefits of local wisdom-based ecotourism include:

Preservation of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge
Promotion of sustainable tourism practices
Economic benefits for local communities
Increased awareness and appreciation of local culture and environment
Development of unique and authentic tourism products and services

Q: What are the challenges of local wisdom-based ecotourism?

A: The challenges of local wisdom-based ecotourism include:

Limited resources and infrastructure
Difficulty in preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge
Competition from mass tourism and commercialized tourism products
Need for education and training for local communities and tourism industry stakeholders

Q: How can local wisdom-based ecotourism be developed and promoted?

A: Local wisdom-based ecotourism can be developed and promoted through:

Community-based tourism initiatives
Collaboration with local communities, tourism industry stakeholders, and government agencies
Development of unique and authentic tourism products and services
Education and training for local communities and tourism industry stakeholders
Marketing and promotion of local wisdom-based ecotourism products and services

Q: What are the key elements of local wisdom-based ecotourism?

A: The key elements of local wisdom-based ecotourism include:

Cultural heritage and traditional knowledge
Natural environment and biodiversity
Local community involvement and participation
Sustainable tourism practices
Unique and authentic tourism products and services

Q: How can local wisdom-based ecotourism contribute to sustainable development?

A: Local wisdom-based ecotourism can contribute to sustainable development by:

Preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge
Promoting sustainable tourism practices
Supporting local economic development
Increasing awareness and appreciation of local culture and environment
Developing unique and authentic tourism products and services that promote cultural preservation and environmental sustainability

Q: What is the role of the local community in local wisdom-based ecotourism?

A: The local community plays a crucial role in local wisdom-based ecotourism by:

Preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge
Participating in tourism development and management
Providing unique and authentic tourism products and services
Promoting sustainable tourism practices
Educating and training tourism industry stakeholders

Q: What is the role of the government in local wisdom-based ecotourism?

A: The government plays a crucial role in local wisdom-based ecotourism by:

Providing resources and infrastructure for tourism development
Supporting local community-based tourism initiatives
Promoting sustainable tourism practices
Developing policies and regulations that support local wisdom-based ecotourism
Providing education and training for local communities and tourism industry stakeholders

Conclusion

Local wisdom-based ecotourism is a unique approach to developing tourism that focuses on the cultural and natural heritage of a region. By understanding the benefits, challenges, and key elements of local wisdom-based ecotourism, we can promote sustainable tourism practices and support local economic development.