Local Government's Role in Developing Tourism Destination Competitiveness: A Case Study of Lampu Satu Beach, Merauke Regency, South Papua Province

Abstract

The tourism sector is strategically significant in increasing national economic growth in Indonesia. Eastern Indonesia remains far behind in developing marine and cultural tourism, though some regions have huge potential for marine and cultural tourism like Lampu Satu Beach located in Merauke Regency. This study aims to analyze the role of the Merauke Regency Government in developing Lampu Satu Beach as a leading destination. Design of study: This was a qualitative descriptive-analytical study. Data were collected by interviews, observations and documentation. Primary data were collected from 10 key informants through in depth interviews, who were purposively selected based on their competency, authority and presence in regional tourism management and development. The results indicate that local government officials were central actors in tourism development. The third one is the obvious role of government which way we call it regulation, planning and facilitation. It is the local governments who require to advance/combat and give strength/power to local communities. Two of these, limited human resources in destination development and budget constraints both are equally hard-fats for (yet) improving regional tourism programs while slower inter-agency coordination undermines the effectiveness of policy implementation. This research is expected to enhance this potential through the digitalisation of regional tourism promotions in support of the local community-based creative economy and adaptive regulatory frameworks to support sustainable destinations management. This process seeks to ensure that national tourism is inclusive and equitable.