STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN EKOWISATA BERBASIS KOMUNITAS DAN INDUSTRI MELALUI MODEL TRIPLE HELIX DI KAWASAN WISATA CURUG GRENJENG, KABUPATEN SEMARANG

Abstract

The Curug Grenjeng Tourism Area in Ngempon Village, Bergas District, Semarang Regency has ecotourism potential supported by its natural attractions, local community wisdom, and the presence of surrounding industrial sectors. However, the area's development still faces various issues, including limited infrastructure and tourism facilities, suboptimal institutional capacity of the management, limited digital promotion, and potential environmental threats due to industrial activities. This study aims to formulate a community-based and industry-based ecotourism development strategy through a collaborative approach in the Curug Grenjeng Tourism Area. The research employs a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were obtained through field observations, in-depth interviews, documentation, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD), then analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis based on the 4A concept, Community Empowerment Theory, the Triple Helix Model, Sustainable Development Theory, and SWOT analysis. The results show that Curug Grenjeng has strengths in the form of a still-natural waterfall landscape, community participation through OPSI and Pokdarwis, and a strategic location near industrial areas. The SWOT analysis places the area in Quadrant I with coordinates (0.95; 1.25), so the prioritized strategy is the Strength–Opportunity (S-O) strategy. Development strategies are directed toward improving infrastructure and tourism facilities, strengthening institutional capacity and community empowerment, optimizing digital promotion, utilizing industrial CSR, developing tour packages, and strengthening collaboration between the government, the community, academics, and the industrial sector. These strategies are expected to enhance the area's competitiveness while maintaining environmental sustainability and the well-being of the local community.