Sumber Maron Nature Tourism Area is a
leading destination in Malang Regency, offering significant natural and
economic potential. However, the increasing number of visitors without adequate
management has created pressure on the environmental carrying capacity, reduced
tourism comfort, and decreased the socio-ecological quality of the area.
Impacts such as scattered waste, management conflicts, and inadequate
facilities have become increasingly visible, especially during peak seasons.
This study aims to quantitatively analyze the area's carrying capacity and
formulate a sustainable management strategy based on a weighted SWOT analysis
and stakeholder perceptions.
This research was conducted in the
Sumber Maron Nature Tourism Area, Karangsuko Village, Pagelaran District,
Malang Regency, using a descriptive quantitative approach. Data sources
included primary data from observations, closed and open-ended questionnaires,
and semi-structured interviews with five groups of respondents. Data collection
techniques involved field observation, documentation, and questionnaire
distribution to 81 respondents. Research instruments included observation
sheets, Likert scale questionnaires, essay questions, and interview guidelines.
Data analysis was carried out through environmental carrying capacity
calculations (PCC, RCC, ECC), questionnaire tabulation, and weighted SWOT
analysis.
The results showed that the area’s
effective carrying capacity is only 284 visitors per day, while the actual
number of visitors reached 363,240 per year, indicating a condition of over capacity.
The appropriate management strategy falls into quadrant II (WO strategy), which
focuses on using external opportunities to address internal weaknesses. A
visitor quota system, activity zoning, infrastructure improvements, active
community involvement, and visitor education are required to support
sustainable tourism management.
Keywords: Sumber Maron Nature Tourism,
Environmental Carrying Capacity, SWOT Analysis, Sustainable Tourism