STRATEGI PENGELOLAAN EKOWISATA DALAM MENINGKATKAN DAYA TARIK DAN MINAT KUNJUNGAN WISATAWAN AIR TERJUN SIKULIKAP DI BERASTAGI, KABUPATEN TANAH KARO - Teguh Raudhah Rangkuti; Nurhayati Nurhayati (JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND SOCIAL RESEARCH, 2026)
Abstract: Sikulikap Waterfall is an ecotourism destination in Doulu Village, Tanah Karo Regency, that holds substantial natural potential but has not yet been managed optimally, so its attractiveness and visiting interest remain underdeveloped. This study aims to analyze the current management condition of the ecotourism site, identify the inhibiting factors, and formulate an effective management strategy to increase tourist attraction and visiting interest. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a purposive sampling technique, in which data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation involving the site manager, the local community, and tourists. The findings indicate that the management of Sikulikap Waterfall has been running in terms of cleanliness and security, but remains fragmented in terms of infrastructure, facilities, and community involvement. The main inhibiting factors include unpaved access roads, limited supporting facilities, low visitor awareness of cleanliness, and limited support from the local government. The recommended management strategy is formulated based on the 4A approach (Attraction, Accessibility, Amenity, Ancillary), combined with strengthening the pillars of environmental sustainability, community empowerment, and economic sustainability. Keywords: Ecotourism Management Strategy, Tourist Attraction, Visiting Interest, Sikulikap Waterfall.   Abstrak: Air Terjun Sikulikap merupakan destinasi ekowisata di Desa Doulu, Kabupaten Tanah Karo, yang memiliki potensi alam besar namun belum dikelola secara optimal sehingga daya tarik dan minat kunjungan wisatawan belum berkembang secara maksimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kondisi pengelolaan ekowisata saat ini, mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor penghambat, serta merumuskan strategi pengelolaan yang efektif untuk meningkatkan daya tarik dan minat kunjungan wisatawan. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik purposive sampling, di mana data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi terhadap pengelola wisata, masyarakat lokal, dan wisatawan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengelolaan Air Terjun Sikulikap sudah berjalan pada aspek kebersihan dan keamanan, tetapi belum terpadu dari sisi infrastruktur, fasilitas, dan pelibatan masyarakat. Faktor penghambat utama meliputi jalan yang belum teraspal, minimnya fasilitas penunjang, rendahnya kesadaran kebersihan pengunjung, serta terbatasnya dukungan pemerintah daerah. Strategi pengelolaan yang direkomendasikan disusun berdasarkan pendekatan 4A (Attraction, Accessibility, Amenity, Ancillary) yang dipadukan dengan penguatan pilar kelestarian lingkungan, pemberdayaan masyarakat, dan keberlanjutan ekonomi. Kata kunci: Strategi Pengelolaan Ekowisata, Daya Tarik Wisata, Minat Kunjungan Wisatawan, Air Terjun Sikulikap.