The Perception of Local People on Forest Conversion

Pangandaran Regency is currently promoting tourism development seriously. The region status change from kecamatan (district) to Kabupaten (Regency) of West Java makes it increase its focus to develop the tourism aspect as an added-value. The regent government encourages its communities to create, manage and build tourism objects in their respective areas. Its sloping topography makes them able to develop both in lowlands and highlands. Thus, forest conversion for tourism is dotting Pangandaran. The most recent one is Jojogan. The transformation, indeed, affects many aspects, from ecological balance to nearby local people. Public perception of the conversion has been an exciting subject to study. Therefore, using the quantitative descriptive method, this research sought to describe the perception of Dusun Gunungtiga in Desa Cintaratu, Kecamatan Parigi, Kabupaten Pangandaran on forest conversion of Jojogan in their neighborhood. Primary data was collected by distributing a questionnaire to respondents, while secondary data by interview and observation. Results reveal that local people perceived the conversion positively. The positive perception on Jojogan also shows that the tourism management of Jojogan has referred to management principles that emphasize the values of natural environment sustainability, community, and social, so it enables tourists to enjoy tourism activities and benefits local people.