Ecotourism Development in Balekambang City Park, Surakarta, Central Java Indonesia

Abstract

This research is qualitative research. It emphasizes understanding the meaning of the observed phenomenon. The research aims are to determine the ecotourism development in Balekambang. Furthermore, the researchers want to obtain the ecotourism development principles that have been developed in Balekambang as a city park. The data were collected from interviews, observation, documentation, and analysis related documents. They were analyzed by interactive model: data reduction, data presentation, and draw the conclusions which are done by cycle. The results show that tourism development in Balekambang park does not completely follow the ecotourism principles. Theses principles emphasize people's participation, education, caring, and preservation of the environment. The park management is still limited to the conventional approach by doing paid performances which give an economic benefit. The ecotourism approach is needed to do in Balekambang to keep the preservation of the environment and give benefits for people.