Implementation of Ecotourism-Based Coastal Management Policy: An Analysis of Environmental Co-Management in Tanjung Punak Tourism Village, Bengkalis Regency

Abstract

Despite a regional regulatory framework for tourism development and coastal spatial planning, ecotourism-based coastal management in Tanjung Punak Tourism Village, Bengkalis Regency, faces institutional fragmentation and limited stakeholder coordination. This study analyzed policy implementation through an environmental co-management approach. A descriptive qualitative design was employed, with purposively selected informants representing the Tourism Technical Implementation Unit, village government, Tourism Awareness Group, and local communities. Data were collected through interviews, field observations, and document analysis. The analysis examined four co-management dimensions: organizing, negotiating, learning-by-doing, and good governance. The findings identified four principal challenges: fragmented institutional authority, underutilization of government-provided tourism facilities, dualistic management involving Tanjung Lapin Beach and Benut Lestari Beach, and limitations in environmental monitoring. Environmental concerns included alleged pollution from shrimp ponds and potential mangrove degradation. The co-management assessment highlighted the need to clarify institutional responsibilities, strengthen stakeholder agreements, establish continuous evaluation, and ensure transparent environmental monitoring. These findings indicate that the existing policy framework requires stronger coordination and shared implementation responsibilities among government institutions, village authorities, tourism organizations, and local communities. The study identifies practical co-management priorities for integrating tourism development with coastal ecosystem protection and supporting sustainable coastal management.