BANTEN - Tanjung Lesung is one of the flagship tourist destinations on the west coast of Java Island. Located in Pandeglang Regency, Banten, this area offers a variety of activities ranging from marine tourism, water sports, nature adventures, to cultural experiences that reflect local wealth.
Its location which is not too far from Jakarta makes this one tourist destination often chosen by tourists who want to enjoy the natural atmosphere without having to travel far.
In fact, more than a vacation spot, this integrated tourist area with an area of 1,500 hectares has the potential to become a sanctuary or a space for protection and recovery. This is at least said by Dr. (HC) Setyono Djuandi Darmono, Chairman of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Indonesia Chapter.
SD Darmono assessed that the world is currently entering a new era in looking at development. If in the 20th century economic growth was heavily based on the exploitation of natural resources, now the success of development is increasingly determined by the ability to maintain and restore the environment.
"If the 20th century development model is largely driven by the utilization of resources (nature), the 21st century development model is determined by our ability to carry out restoration, including environmental restoration," said SD Darmono in Jakarta, recently.
According to him, this change in perspective makes areas that are able to maintain a balance between economic activity and environmental sustainability increasingly valuable. The preserved nature is now seen as an important asset that can support long-term development.
He also explained that the success of a tourist destination is no longer solely measured by the number of facilities or buildings that stand. The condition of the environment that is still maintained is actually a factor that is increasingly taken into account by tourists.
Clean beaches, sustainable forest areas, healthy coral reefs, to local cultures that remain alive are attractions that have high economic value. When tourists appreciate these aspects, there is an incentive for business actors and the community to continue to take care of them.
"When tourists value clean beaches, sustainable forests, healthy coral reefs, and a vibrant local culture, then the economy will provide incentives to maintain all of them," said SD Darmono.
He assessed that tourism managed responsibly can be an important instrument in environmental conservation efforts as well as cultural preservation.
Tanjung Lesung has great opportunities to develop with a more sustainable approach. At a time when the world is beginning to seek a more environmentally friendly development model, this area is considered to have the opportunity to grow without repeating the various problems experienced by a number of other tourist destinations.
The development of the area can be carried out in a more measured manner by placing the quality of the tourist experience as the main priority. This approach is considered more relevant than simply chasing the number of tourist visits or excessive use of natural resources.
"With the presence of the Serang-Panimbang toll access which will soon be completed, Tanjung Lesung is not only geographically closer. Tanjung Lesung is more relevant to the needs of today's world," said Darmono.
SD Darmono believes that future investments are not only about economic benefits, but also about the ability to create a positive impact on the environment and the surrounding community.
According to him, places like this not only offer landscape beauty, but also give hope that economic growth can go hand in hand with efforts to maintain the environment.
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