THE IMPACT OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN THE LUT TAWAR LAKE AREA

Abstract

Lake Lut Tawar, located in Aceh Province, is one of the developing tourism areas. However, the rapid development of tourism in this area presents a dilemma between economic growth and socio-environmental impacts. This study aims to describe in detail the dual impacts of this phenomenon and to illustrate the perceptions and responses of the local community, particularly the community of Mendale Village. This study applies a descriptive qualitative method. The primary data collection technique is in-depth interviews with selected informants using purposive sampling, supplemented by data from observations and document studies. All collected data are then analyzed using a thematic approach. The research results indicate a duality of impacts. On one hand, tourism has proven to be a new economic driver, creating job opportunities and business prospects. However, on the other hand, this has led to relatively significant externalities, such as waste management issues, physical damage to the lake due to sedimentation, and water pollution. The main conclusion is that tourism development at Lake Lut Tawar is proceeding in a pragmatic and unplanned manner, creating a dilemma between short-term economic interests and long-term environmental sustainability. Existing management efforts have proven unable to keep pace with the massive scale of development.