The Role of Youth in The Development of Puncak Steling Tourist Attractions in Samarinda

Abstract

This research aims to find out the role of youth in the development of Puncak Steling tourist attractions in Samarinda, the research method used is a descriptive qualitative method. Data was obtained through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The research informants consist of eight people, namely the Head of Sungai Dama Village, the Head of RT, the Head of Youth, youth members, and visitors. Data analysis is carried out using the Miles and Huberman models which include data reduction, data presentation, as well as drawing conclusions and verification. Research results show that youth has a very important role in the development of the Puncak Steling tourist attraction. These roles include the management and maintenance of tourist areas, promotion through social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, maintaining the cleanliness and preservation of the environment, and helping to maintain the safety and comfort of visitors. The involvement of youth has a positive impact on the increase in the number of visitors, the change in the image of tourism to be more attractive and well-maintained, as well as the increase in the economic activity of the surrounding community through small businesses and MSMEs. Challenges faced by young people include limited facilities, lack of funding support, and low awareness of some visitors towards environmental cleanliness. To overcome these challenges, young people carry out various strategies such as community work, digital promotion, and building cooperation with the community and local governments.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran pemuda dalam pengembangan objek wisata Puncak Steling di Samarinda, Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif deskriptif. Data diperoleh melalui observasi, wawancara semi-terstruktur, dan dokumentasi. Informan penelitian terdiri atas delapan orang, yaitu Kepala Kelurahan Sungai Dama, Ketua RT, Ketua Pemuda, anggota pemuda, dan pengunjung. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan model Miles dan Huberman yang meliputi reduksi data, penyajian data, serta penarikan kesimpulan dan verifikasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemuda memiliki peran yang sangat penting dalam pengembangan objek wisata Puncak Steling. Peran tersebut meliputi pengelolaan dan perawatan kawasan wisata, promosi melalui media sosial seperti Instagram, Facebook, dan TikTok, menjaga kebersihan dan kelestarian lingkungan, serta membantu menjaga keamanan dan kenyamanan pengunjung. Keterlibatan pemuda berdampak positif terhadap peningkatan jumlah pengunjung, perubahan citra wisata menjadi lebih menarik dan terawat, serta meningkatnya aktivitas ekonomi masyarakat sekitar melalui usaha kecil dan UMKM. Tantangan yang dihadapi pemuda antara lain keterbatasan fasilitas, kurangnya dukungan pendanaan, dan rendahnya kesadaran sebagian pengunjung terhadap kebersihan lingkungan. Untuk mengatasi tantangan tersebut, pemuda melakukan berbagai strategi seperti kerja bakti, promosi digital, dan membangun kerja sama dengan masyarakat serta pemerintah setempat.