Authors:
Simon Ebel Maris Phoek, Lavenia Lauwinata, Lena Ratu Ningsih Kowarin

Addresses:
1,2,3Department of Business and Accountancy, Saint Theresa School of Economics, Merauke Papua, Indonesia. simon@sainttheresa.ac.id1, lavenia@sainttheresa.ac.id2, lena@sainttheresa.ac.id3

Abstract:

This research aims to understand the impact of physical infrastructure development in Merauke Regency, Papua Province, on the tourism sector and local economic growth. It also aims to highlight the importance of tourism development in Merauke Regency as a development priority and to promote the exoticism and allure of its tourist attractions. To achieve the research objectives, observation techniques, interview techniques, and documentation were utilized for data collection from various stakeholders. The collected data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. Interviews were conducted during focus group discussions with 12 informants who were involved, including representatives from higher education institutions, the Tourism Office, the Industry and Trade Office, the Regional Revenue Office, the Labor Office, Traditional Leaders, Religious Figures, the Cooperative and SME Office, the Cultural Office, the Social Office, the Education Office, and NGOs. The research results indicate that tourism management based on local wisdom in Merauke Regency, Papua Province, requires intensive and professional improvement within the tourism sector. Tourism development in Merauke Regency necessitates a well-planned strategy that considers the uniqueness of its culture and natural resources while empowering the local community. Despite the significant tourism potential in Merauke Regency, challenges such as limited transportation access, insufficient information about tourist sites, and a lack of synergy between the government and tourism stakeholders still need to be addressed. These challenges prompt new considerations about how the development of physical infrastructure can impact the tourism sector and local economic growth in Merauke Regency, Papua Province. Through enhanced infrastructure, intensive tourism promotion, effective management, and strategy development based on local wisdom, Merauke Regency in Papua Province has the potential to become an attractive tourist destination, making a significant contribution to both the tourism sector and the national economy.

Keywords: Physical Infrastructure Development; Tourism Sector; Local Community Empowerment; Local Economic Growth; Education Office and NGOs; Local Economic Growth; Tourist Attractions.

Received on: 17/03/2023, Revised on: 02/05/2023, Accepted on: 05/06/2023, Published on: 21/06/2023

FMDB Transactions on Sustainable Management Letters, 2023 Vol. 1 No. 2, Pages: 82-94

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