Sustainable nature tourism object selection in North Barito Regency: Formulating criteria and determining priorities

The Covid-19 pandemic has shifted tourists’ preferences towards natural open spaces offering opportunities for social distancing, enjoying natural beauty, and engaging in recreational activities that support physical and mental well-being. However, some of these tourist destinations lack proper regulations, leading to unsustainability issues. This research aims to formulate criteria for prioritizing tourist attraction objects or Objek Daya Tarik Wisata (ODTW) in North Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan. The study employs expert judgment to ensure the selection process considers ecological, social, and economic factors. A set of criteria is then formulated to guide the selection of nature tourism objects. The criteria include alignment with regional spatial planning, compatibility with regional development plans, consistency with tourism development plans, and exclusion from mining permit areas, proximity to urban centres and transportation hubs, and inclusion as assets of the local government. Based on the established criteria, Trinsing reservoir and Trahean reservoir with its Panglima Batur camping ground are selected as priority ODTW. However, the evaluation reveals that each selected ODTWs still faces shortcomings in attraction, accessibility, amenity, and ancillary aspects. Consequently, there is a need for appropriate development and management strategies to address these challenges and enhance the ecotourism potential in the Regency.


Introduction
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the global tourism industry, reshaping the preferences and expectations of travellers [1,2,3].As social distancing measures and health concerns became paramount, tourists began seeking out natural open spaces that offered opportunities for solitude, the appreciation of natural beauty, and engagement in recreational activities that supported physical and mental well-being.This shift in tourist preferences presents a unique opportunity for regions blessed with natural beauty to harness the potential of sustainable nature tourism [4].
Tourism plays a crucial role in wealth distribution, the optimization of local labour utilization, and its integration with various supporting sectors.By focusing on sustainable nature tourism, regions can 1248 (2023) 012029 IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1248/1/012029 2 foster economic growth, optimize local resources, and foster positive synergies with other sectors [5].However, the lack of proper regulations and planning in some tourist destinations has given rise to sustainability challenges, potentially threatening the environment and the well-being of local communities.One example of this is the island of Bali, which has experienced rapid tourism growth in recent years.The surge in visitor numbers, coupled with inadequate regulations and planning, has resulted in issues such as uncontrolled development, overexploitation of natural resources, and pollution.The island's once-pristine beaches have been affected by waste management problems, with plastic pollution being a significant concern.Additionally, unregulated construction has led to the loss of valuable agricultural land and deforestation, impacting the environment and disrupting local livelihoods.
Another example is the popular tourist destination of Raja Ampat in West Papua.This archipelago boasts stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and picturesque landscapes.However, unregulated tourism activities, such as uncontrolled diving and snorkelling, improper waste management, and inadequate infrastructure, have put immense pressure on the fragile marine ecosystems.The excessive influx of tourists has led to reef degradation and coral bleaching, affecting the biodiversity and longterm sustainability of the area.Additionally, the local communities have faced challenges in preserving their cultural heritage and traditional ways of life amidst the rapid changes brought about by tourism.
In the cultural hub of Yogyakarta, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur temple faces sustainability challenges due to uncontrolled tourism activities.The large number of visitors has led to physical deterioration of the temple and the surrounding areas.Without proper visitor management and regulations, the site's cultural significance and historical integrity are at risk.The local community also faces challenges in managing the tourism impacts and ensuring equitable distribution of economic benefits.
These examples highlight the pressing need for proper regulations and planning in Indonesia's tourist destinations to ensure their long-term sustainability.By implementing measures such as carrying capacity assessments, waste management systems, zoning regulations, and community engagement initiatives, the negative impacts of tourism can be mitigated, and the well-being of local communities and the environment can be safeguarded [6].
The importance of planning in the development of tourist destinations, especially those developed by the government, cannot be overstated.Effective planning ensures that the development process is guided by a comprehensive and well-thought-out vision, taking into account the social, environmental, and economic aspects of the destination [7].Without proper planning, there is a risk of haphazard and unsustainable development, leading to a range of negative consequences.Planning enables the government to assess the carrying capacity of the destination, ensuring that the influx of tourists does not overwhelm the local infrastructure, natural resources, and communities.It allows for the identification and protection of sensitive areas and cultural heritage sites, preserving their authenticity and ensuring their long-term viability.Additionally, planning facilitates the integration of tourism with other sectors of the local economy, fostering economic diversification and creating opportunities for local businesses and communities [8].By adopting a strategic and well-informed approach to development, governments can maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing its negative impacts, leading to the creation of sustainable and resilient tourist destinations that contribute to the well-being and prosperity of both visitors and host communities.
North Barito Regency, located in Central Kalimantan, is home to an impressive array of natural attractions, including mountains, lakes, waterfalls, caves, waterfront areas, campgrounds, parks, monuments, old cemeteries, and rapids.With a total of 60 tourist destinations, the region holds significant potential for nature-based tourism development.However, without proper evaluation and prioritization, there is a risk of unsustainable development, compromising the long-term viability and environmental integrity of these attractions.
The objective of this paper is twofold.Firstly, we aim to formulate criteria for prioritizing natural tourist attraction objects (ODTW) in North Barito Regency.By establishing a set of well-defined criteria, we can identify and evaluate the most promising and sustainable tourism destinations within the region.Secondly, we will evaluate the existing condition of the selected priority natural tourism attraction objects in North Barito Regency.This assessment will provide valuable insights into the current state of these destinations, identifying areas for improvement and informing future management and development strategies.
By conducting a comprehensive analysis and evaluation, this study aims to provide actionable recommendations for local authorities, tourism planners, and stakeholders involved in the sustainable development and management of nature-based tourism in North Barito Regency.The findings will help guide decision-making processes, ensuring that the region's natural attractions are conserved, enhanced, and developed in a manner that balances economic growth with environmental protection and the well-being of local communities.

Research site
The study took place in North Barito Regency between January and April 2023.According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, the number of tourists visiting North Barito Regency from 2017 to 2021 consisted of 227,196 domestic tourists and 505 foreign tourists.North Barito Regency is home to a diverse range of 60 tourist attractions, encompassing mountains, lakes, waterfalls, rapids, dams, tombs, caves, parks, tourist villages, historical sites, and more.The local community has actively participated in the development of the tourism sector through the establishment of tourism awareness groups known as Pokdarwis, with the support of the local government.

Formulation criteria and selection of priority natural ODTW.
This study aims to compile priority natural ODTW criteria based on various relevant literatures.The relevance of the literature used is determined based on the researcher's subjective considerations, i.e., first, they come from published and presented journal articles, printed books and e-books, guidelines published by regional, national and international governments.Second, the criteria for priority ODTW, as well as the priority ODTW criteria in general, with criteria generally applicable to all attractions.For example, "criteria for proximity to the city centre" can generally apply to all types of attractions (natural, cultural, manmade).Third, researchers can access the literature in full printed form (not just summaries).
The data are then sorted to combine the same criteria and leave aside criteria that are not relevant to the research site.The data obtained were then brought to the Focus Group Discussion (FGD), which included experts from government circles to find out the criteria for ODTW to be developed by the government.The criteria for selecting experts are: -experts or professionals from North Barito regency -experts, surveyors or professionals who understand the tourism sector in North Barito regency and have at least 5 years of experience in this field -be at least 30 years old and have at least a bachelor's degree -have a minimum position of echelon III (if coming from public service or ASN).
The outcome of the FGD involving these experts yielded a collection of criteria that the government should focus on when developing priority ODTWs.These criteria will be uniformly applied to all ODTWs within the North Barito regency.By analyzing the data associated with each ODTW, it will be possible to identify the ODTWs that hold the most potential for development and prioritize their further advancement.

Evaluation the existing condition of selected ODTW.
The evaluation of tourist attractions using the 4As analysis method, which includes attraction, accessibility, amenities, and ancillary service, entails assessing various factors that impact the appeal and quality of a tourist destination.The data utilized for this analysis encompass the following: attractiveness of tourist attractions existing condition of transportation access to tourist attractions existing condition of telecommunication access to tourist attractions existing condition of infrastructure at tourism sites current state of facilities at tourist attractions availability of nearby public service facilities current state of government and community institutions associated with tourist attractions relevant Regional Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARDA) for North Barito Regency The data were obtained through observations, interviews, studies related to tourism in North Barito Regency, and documents acquired from the Regional Development Planning and Research and Development Agency (Bappedalitbang) as well as the Office of Culture, Tourism, and Sports (Disbudparpora) of North Barito Regency.

Formulation criteria and selection of priority natural ODTW
A review of 12 relevant literature sources was conducted to explore the ODTW priority criteria, resulting in the identification of 114 criteria.Subsequently, these criteria were thoroughly examined to consolidate those of equal significance and eliminate any that were not applicable to the research site.This process led to the refinement of the criteria, yielding a final selection of 30 criteria, as shown in Table 1.

Criteria
A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted, engaging relevant stakeholders, to establish the criteria for selecting priority Natural Tourist Attraction Objects (ODTW) in North Barito Regency.The FGD aimed to propose and finalize the criteria that would be utilized in the process of selecting and prioritizing natural ODTWs in the region.During the FGD, representatives from various stakeholder groups, such as government officials, tourism industry professionals, local communities, and experts in the field, actively participated in discussions and shared their insights.
The purpose of the FGD was to gather diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure comprehensive and inclusive decision-making regarding the criteria for selecting priority ODTWs.The attendees collectively examined and deliberated on the proposed criteria, considering their relevance, feasibility, and alignment with the goals of sustainable nature tourism development in North Barito Regency.The FGD resulted in the determination of the following criteria for selecting priority ODTWs: 1. Compliance with the regional spatial planning document, specifically the Regional Ordinance of.
North Barito Regency No. 3 of 2019, which outlines the spatial planning for North Barito Regency from 2019 to 2039. 2. Alignment with the regional development plan, specifically the Regional Ordinance of North Barito Regency No. 1 of 2019, which outlines the medium-term development plan for North Barito Regency from 2018 to 2023. 3. Consistency with the regional tourism plan, specifically the Regional Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARDA) for the period of 2020-2025 in North Barito Regency.4. Exclusion from mining permits areas (WIUP).5. Proximity to the city center and/or the airport/port within a radius of less than 15 km, serving as regional and national transportation hubs.6. Inclusion of ODTWs that are part of the regional assets or facilities owned by the North Barito Regency Regional Government.
The compatibility assessment between the natural ODTW potential and the requirements specified in planning documents for criteria 1, 2, and 3 involves verifying the ODTW's location against regional planning documents.
The fourth criterion states that the ODTW should not be located within the Mining Business Permit Area (WIUP).This criterion holds significance as it relates to the preservation of natural ODTWs.While mining activities contribute to the economic sector in North Barito Regency, they also lead to alterations in the natural environment, which contradicts the objective of maintaining environmental sustainability, a crucial factor for natural ODTWs.Therefore, the selection of priority ODTWs should prioritize those that are not within the WIUP.The WIUP serves as a filtering mechanism in this study, utilizing data sourced from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources via the portal https://geoportal.esdm.go.id/minerba/.
The fifth criterion was evaluated utilizing Arcmap 10.8.1 software and the "Buffer" tool.The selected parameters included a 15 km radius from the city center of Muara Teweh and a 15 km radius from Haji Muhammad Sidik Airport.These specific parameters were chosen because the accessibility of natural ODTWs varies depending on factors such as transportation mode, weather conditions, as well as the state of rivers and roads.Using the radius of reach was considered the most convenient way to measure and assess the affordability of reaching the ODTWs in terms of time.
The sixth criterion states that natural ODTWs should be categorized as regional assets or possesses facilities that are considered regional assets.The government's ownership of natural ODTWs or the presence of government-built facilities within them demonstrates the government's dedication to preserving these natural ODTWs.Furthermore, the ownership of these natural ODTWs or the existence of government facilities within them ensures the sustainability of these resources.This is because their utilization and maintenance become the responsibility of the local government, as outlined in Government Regulation (PP) No. 28 of 2020, which pertains to amendments to Government Regulation Number 27 of 2014 concerning the management of state/regional property.
Derived from the outcomes of the evaluation of natural ODTWs using the agreed-upon set of six criteria, in collaboration with experts or professionals, the prioritized natural ODTWs for North Barito Regency have been identified (as presented in Table 2).These prioritized ODTWs will subsequently undergo a performance assessment in the field utilizing the 4As method.
Table 2. Suitability of priority ODTW potential according to selected criteria.

Nature
Taking into account these six criteria, the prioritized natural ODTWs in North Barito Regency are those that fulfill all the criteria, namely the Trinsing reservoir and the Trahean reservoir and Panglima Batur camping ground.

Evaluation of attraction, accessibility, amenity, ancillary at Trinsing reservoir.
The primary highlights of the tourist site in Trinsing reservoir revolve around the formation of reservoirs from swamps and rivers in Trinsing village, which are impounded by the Trinsing dam.In addition to the picturesque views of the pristine reservoir and its beautiful surroundings, it serves as a popular photo spot (Figure 1).The reservoir also holds potential for freshwater fishing activities, which are frequently enjoyed by the local community.Additionally, the pond located at Trinsing dam is utilized by the community as a swimming area (Figure 2).However, during the survey, the condition of Trinsing reservoir displayed a decline in water quality, noticeable through the murky appearance of the water, despite the reservoir being renowned for its clear water.According to information obtained from the community, this deterioration is attributed to increased mining operations in the southern region of Trinsing reservoir.
The road infrastructure within the Trinsing Reservoir ODTW is inadequate, as there is only one access point for entry, exit, and circulation within the area.This single access route is utilized by various modes of transportation, such as four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles, and pedestrians.Moreover, the road within the ODTW is incorporated into the Trinsing Dam wall, serving as the primary access to the area.Consequently, the road's width is restricted, limiting its optimal capacity.The process of registering and selling tourist tickets plays a vital role in the development of tourism.Recording visitor information is valuable for tracking tourist visits and facilitating evaluations of ODTW implementation.In the case of Trinsing Reservoir ODTW, there is a ticket sales booth; however, it operates solely on holidays, resulting in entrance ticket revenue being limited to those specific days.Unfortunately, the ticket sales booth does not maintain any records of tourist data.
At the Trinsing Reservoir ODTW, there are food and beverage stalls operated by the local community through a rental system managed by the local government.However, there is a need for improvements in the condition of these establishments, particularly regarding the quality of the buildings and cleanliness.Adjacent to the food and beverage areas, there are public toilets available for tourists, which can be used upon payment of a cleaning fee.The community takes responsibility for organizing the cleaning of these toilets using the collected fees.Additionally, the area includes a parking lot, an information center represented by a command post established by the local government, a prayer room, and gazebos for tourists to rest.Some gazebos are built over the water, while others are situated along the access roads within the area.Unfortunately, there is no designated area for selling local souvenirs or products that represent the unique characteristics of North Barito Regency, hindering efforts to integrate regional products with the ODTW.
Electricity in the area is supplied through a connection to the national power grid (PLN).Clean water is provided through the PDAM (Regional Water Supply Company) network, specifically the Capital City Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM IKK) located in Trahean Village, Central Teweh District.Waste management in the area is carried out by the community, who collect and dispose of garbage using designated bins.However, the availability of trash cans is currently insufficient.The Trinsing Reservoir ODTW is presently under the complete management of the local government, specifically the Office of Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports.However, the village government, along with the tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis) and the local community, has been granted access to establish businesses within the designated commercial area of the ODTW.

Evaluation of attraction, accessibility, amenity, ancillary at Trahean reservoir and Panglima
Batur camping ground.The primary allure of the Trahean Reservoir ODTW stems from the reservoir itself, formed by the convergence of swamps and rivers in Trahean village and impounded by the Trahean dam.The crystal-clear water of the reservoir and its picturesque surroundings make it an ideal spot for photography.Additionally, the Trahean reservoir offers potential for freshwater fisheries, providing the local community with opportunities for fishing activities.The water from the reservoir is also utilized for agricultural and aquacultural purposes, contributing to the designation of Trahean Village as an agropolitan and agro-tourism area.The Panglima Batur camping ground holds its own attractions, including its beautiful location and stunning vistas overlooking the Trahean reservoir.To enhance the viewing experience of the reservoir, a three-story viewing tower is available.Furthermore, the Panglima Batur camping ground offers spacious camping sites and a scenic hiking trail spanning approximately 2-2.5 kilometers.The attractions of the Trahean Reservoir ODTW and the Panglima Batur camping ground are illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4, respectively.During the survey, the main attractions at the Trahean reservoir and the Panglima Batur camping ground were observed to be in good condition.The cleanliness and quality of the reservoir water were well maintained, while the campsite and hiking tracks demonstrated a high standard of cleanliness and quality.
The road infrastructure within the Trahean reservoir ODTW and the Panglima Batur camping ground is in good condition, ensuring smooth entry, exit, and circulation within the ODTW.The quality of the pavement is well-maintained, and the roads are designed with sufficient width to accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians.
At the Trinsing reservoir ODTW, there is a ticket sales post that operates on both holidays and weekdays.However, there is no system in place to record tourist data at the ticket sales post.Food and beverage stalls managed by the local community can be found at the Trahean reservoir ODTW and the Panglima Batur camping ground.The local government rents out spaces to these stalls.Improvement is needed in the condition of the food and beverage areas, particularly in terms of building quality and cleanliness.Portable public toilets are available in the Trahean dam facility area, and tourists can use them without paying a cleaning fee.The cleaning of the toilets is carried out by the local government using the proceeds from ticket fees.Other amenities at the location include parking spaces, an information center managed by the local government, a prayer room, a children's playground, and gazebos where tourists can rest.Some of the gazebos are built over the water, while others are provided along the Trahean dam.However, there is currently no place to sell souvenirs that represent the unique characteristics of North Barito Regency, which could serve as a means to integrate the ODTW with the region's distinctive products.
Electricity in the area is supplied through the PLN connection, and clean water is available from the PDAM network, specifically the Capital City Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM IKK) of Central Teweh District, located in Trahean village.The local government manages waste disposal by collecting it through trash bins and subsequently burning it.The availability of trash bins is sufficient.
The management of the Trahean reservoir and the Panglima Batur camping ground is under the full responsibility of the local government's Department of Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports.Additionally, the village government, along with the tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis) and the local community, has been granted access to open businesses within the designated business spaces at the ODTW.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a shift in tourist preferences, emphasizing the importance of natural open spaces that allow for social distancing and provide opportunities for recreational activities, promoting both physical and mental well-being.However, many of these tourist destinations lack proper regulations, leading to sustainability issues.This research addresses these concerns by formulating criteria for prioritizing tourist attraction objects in North Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan.The selection process considers ecological, social, and economic factors, with expert judgment playing a significant role.The established criteria focus on alignment with regional planning, compatibility with development plans, adherence to tourism development strategies, exclusion from mining areas, proximity to urban centers and transportation hubs, and recognition as assets of the local government.Based on these criteria, the priority ODTWs selected are Trinsing reservoir and Trahean reservoir with Panglima Batur camping ground.However, the evaluation reveals shortcomings in terms of attraction, accessibility, amenity, and ancillary aspects for each selected ODTW.Therefore, it is crucial to implement appropriate development and management strategies to address these challenges and maximize the ecotourism potential in the Regency.