The Role of Community Participation in the Development of Lau Debuk-debuk Hot Spring in Doulu village, Karo regency

Abstract

This study aims to describe the community participation role, the supporting and inhibiting factors in the development of the Lau Debuk-debuk hot spring tourism object in Doulu village, Berastagi District, Karo regency. This study employed qualitative research method. The locations of this study were in the tourism and cultural office of Karo regency, Head office of Doulu village, Berastagi district, Karo regency & Lau Debuk-debuk hot spring tourism object itself. Interview technique was utilized as the technique of data collection. The informants in this study consisted of the Doulu village community, tourism and cultural office staff of Karo regency, village government, entrepreneurs, and tourists around Lau Debuk-debuk. The results presents that the community participation aspect in the development of the Lau Debuk-debuk hot spring tourism object in Doulu village, Berastagi district, Karo regency has begun to develop compared to previous years. Then, the supporting factors for the development of tourism objects include strategic locations, facilities (hotels, restaurants, & attractions), and environments (accessibility, amenities & attractions). On the other hand, the inhibiting factors are insecurity (epidemic disease, natural disaster, human error, crimes), and services. Therefore, the awareness and cooperation from the community and stakeholders related to the progress of the Lau Debuk-debut is urgently required.