protection of the natural environment, including the
flora and fauna that are the object of observation by
tourists. Another responsibility is to visitors, such as
the presence of interesting attractions that can
increase visitor satisfaction. Meanwhile, the
responsibility to the community is an improvement in
the quality of life of the community around the area,
both for a short period and a long period of time. If all
of these principles are implemented, ecotourism will
guarantee "ecological friendly" development from
community-based development to support
sustainable development.
Ecotourism in Tangkahan where elephants are the
main attraction. Several elephants have been cared for
by CRU Tangkahan for forest patrols and to protect
agricultural areas near the forest from wild elephants.
However, these elephants are also an attraction for
tourists, such as elephant trekking (Gunawan, 2008).
The Tangkahan tourist area has been known as one of
the popular ecotourism destinations in North Sumatra
Province. However, ecotourism development in
Tangkahan is considered to face several challenges,
such as: lack of public awareness of nature
conservation and environmental health, lack of
accessibility and tourism facilities, and lack of
support from local government (Langkat Regency)
and provincial government (North Sumatra
Province).
Wiranatah (2015) analysis of the importance of
Tangkahan tourist attractions and facilities, it can be
said that:
a. There are several tourist attractions that are
considered very important, namely: fauna
diversity, unique fauna, natural scenery, and
tourist activities available at the destination.
b. There are several tourist facilities and services
that are considered very important, namely:
restaurants / food houses and public toilets.
c. Several tourist attractions are considered
important, namely: the diversity and
uniqueness of flora, handicrafts, traditional
arts, traditional food, traditional architecture,
agricultural plantations, and campgrounds.
d. Some tourist facilities and services that are
considered important, namely:
accommodation, travel agents, and banking
facilities (including currency exchange).
e. Several accessibility indicators are considered
important, namely: transportation and
communication facilities.
Inadequate facilities and infrastructure such as
roads, transportation and tourist attractions that are
less cared for by the local community. And there is
still a lack of construction of lodging places that have
not been reached by local tourists and foreign tourists,
bathroom and public toilet facilities are not
maintained, and places to sell are not organized.
Because other facilities and infrastructure are
inadequate and not cared for, tourists do not last long
to visit these attractions. And the management of
Tangkahan is very much needed or needed to increase
the selling power of tourism in an area and can lead
to the welfare of the surrounding community. The
government must establish an authority body for the
management of the Tangkahan area, which is
expected to accelerate development in the Tangkahan
area.
Another thing related to the development of the
Tangkahan natural tourism area is still less optimistic
about the objects and natural tourist attractions in
Tangkahan. And the government is still not paying
attention to the existing facilities and infrastructure in
Tangkahan natural tourism. Tangkahan natural
tourism objects and attractions also have resources
that can create a sense of pleasure and beauty, also
have special characteristics that are still rare such as
the natural beauty of mountains, rivers, forests that
can be supported by the community around
Tangkahan natural attractions who always provide
good service to tourists visiting Tangkahan and this is
what encourages tourists to visit the Tangkahan
natural tourist area, this is because the existing tourist
facilities and infrastructure of Tangkahan still support
the comfort of the tourists.
The Tangkahan natural tourism area has the
potential for natural beauty that deserves to be
developed, but the current potential is not yet an
advantage that can contribute to the economy of
Langkat Regency. This is because the Tangkahan
tourist area is still in the development stage so it can
be promoted. And to build the existing facilities and
infrastructure in Tangkahan natural tourism, the
government's role is very much needed, such as
building infrastructure towards Tangkahan natural
tourism. So that all types of contribution taxes that
have been set by the Langkat Regency Government
have not been realized. Currently Tangkahan is still
managed by the community around the tourist
attraction. And the government's attention is urgently
needed to build facilities and infrastructure for
Tangkahan natural tourism.
In developing the tourism potential of Tangkahan,
until now there are still several obstacles faced by
stakeholders, including the lack of facilities and
infrastructure, limited funds, low human resources of
the community around tourist destinations in the
tourism sector, and low awareness of tourists about
the environment. For this reason, it is necessary to