Pari Island, Thousand Islands: Tourism Potential, Local Community Empowerment, and Legal Protection Challenges Author: Usman Arifin M., S.H., M.H. Labor Law Consultant – Founder of USALAWFIRM – Alumni of Master of Legal Studies in Labor Law, Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia ________________________________________ Introduction Pari Island, one of the islands in the Thousand Islands regency, is renowned for its coastal tourism, including Virgin Beach (Pantai Perawan), mangrove conservation, snorkeling, and marine ecosystem education tours. This tourism potential has become an essential economic pillar for local residents, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors each year. The island, covering approximately 41–43 hectares, has long been a popular marine tourism destination—recording over 100,000 visits throughout 2024. According to Jakarta Governor Decree No. 1986 of 2000, the administrative area of Pari Island Village spans approximately 94.57 hectares and includes 12 islands. In terms of community subdivision, the village consists of 14 neighborhood units (RT) and 4 community units (RW), spread across two main islands—Lancang Besar and Pari Islands. Of the 12 islands: 5 are designated for water catchment purposes (PHB), 1 for general utility (PHU), 4 for tourism, 1 for residential use, and 1 island (Pari Island) is zoned for 10% PHB, 40% residential, and 50% tourism. The Pari Island Village Office is located at Jalan Pulau Lancang Besar RT.003/03, Pari Island Village, South Thousand Islands Subdistrict, Administrative Regency of the Thousand Islands, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, 14520. However, behind its charm, Pari Island is facing serious threats due to illegal reclamation and dredging activities, which are destroying mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs—ecosystems that are vital for ecotourism and local livelihoods. Local Community Empowerment Local communities have initiated several programs, including: • Forum Peduli Pulau Pari (FPPP) and the Pari Island Women's Group (KPPP), actively involved in tourism management and marine conservation. • Eco-guide training programs, homestay-based tourism businesses, and mangrove planting. • Empowerment of women fishers as tour guides, ecosystem guardians, and economic contributors for their families. Although community involvement is visible, support in terms of facilities, access to financing, and protection from external pressure (e.g., land or tourism zone claims by investors) remains lacking. According to Pandulaut.org, the collective awareness manifested in the formation of FPPP and KPPP is a key step toward sustainable conservation and tourism services. In February 2024, KPPP, comprising around 20 women, received support from Pandu Laut Nusantara in the form of two fiberglass boats to enhance access to boat tours and mangrove planting. Many of these women work as fishers and tour guides, supporting their families, though they still face limited access to modern equipment like motorboats. Legal Aspects: Land Disputes & Community Rights Protection Pari Island has gained national attention due to ongoing legal conflicts between residents and private entities. The following summarizes the key cases and issues: Land Disputes and Illegal Reclamation • Since 2022, residents of Pari Island have faced lawsuits and criminalization after opposing reclamation efforts and land ownership claims by PT Bumi Pari Asri and its affiliates. • Many residents have lived on the island for decades but have not obtained land ownership certificates due to the status of the land as state-owned (under the DKI Jakarta Province). • The legal battles include lawsuits at the Jakarta Administrative Court (PTUN), with legal support from LBH Jakarta, WALHI, and KIARA. Legal Protection and Advocacy Examples of legal actions and resolutions observed by the author include: • In January 2025, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) confiscated and sealed off an illegal reclamation project by PT CPS for damaging mangrove and coral ecosystems without proper PKKPRL permits (Utilization Agreement for Marine Space). [Sources: Liputan6.com, Antaranews.com]. • Law enforcement and environmental organizations such as KPPMPI (Coalition for Coastal and Small Island Protection) have urged the government to prioritize environmental and community rights protection, particularly for coastal communities. [Sources: Reddit.com, Antaranews.com, Hijau.bisnis.com]. • Legal advocacy teams—LBH Jakarta, WALHI, and KIARA—have also filed lawsuits against the issuance of PKKPRL permits that negatively affect the livelihoods of fisherfolk and damage holistic ecosystems. [Sources: Hijau.bisnis.com, Bantuanhukum.or.id, Liputan6.com]. These legal challenges highlight the need for marine spatial permits to be fair, community-based, and environmentally sustainable—not solely profit-driven. Legal Protection Issues Include: • Marine spatial permits (PKKPRL) issued to corporations often disregard community participation principles. • Residents demand the enforcement of Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management and Law No. 1/2014 on Coastal Areas and Small Islands, including the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). • Informal tourism workers such as guides, homestay operators, or fisher-tourists lack formal legal protection in labor law—leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and economic uncertainty. Recommendations for Legal Protection Strategy Description 1. Legalization of Communal/Local Land Rights The Jakarta Provincial Government and National Land Agency (BPN) should provide legal certainty for residents’ land tenure through recognition of collective ownership or community management rights. 2. Audit and Review of PKKPRL Permits All marine spatial permits issued to corporations must be reviewed and evaluated with community involvement. 3. Protection of Tourism Workers A specific legal framework or regulation is needed to protect informal tourism workers in terms of wages, safety, and social security. 4. Sustained Legal Assistance Government and legal aid organizations must actively provide free and ongoing legal assistance for coastal communities. Additional Strategic Recommendations Besides the above, further efforts should focus on strengthening local economies and enforcing environmental laws: 1. Strengthening the Local Blue Economy Empower local communities, especially women fishers, through support for boats, training, and access to tourism markets. 2. Environmental Law Enforcement Ensure that reclamation or tourism permits are only issued for environmentally sound projects that have PKKPRL certification and community approval. 3. Legal Assistance & Education Provide continuous legal aid and public education about workers’ rights and permit monitoring processes. 4. Stakeholder Collaboration Strengthen collaboration among the government (KLHK, KKP, Jakarta Provincial Government), conservation NGOs, and academic institutions to realize sustainable ecotourism. Conclusion Pari Island serves as a real-world example of how ecotourism can drive local economic development. However, it remains vulnerable to land conflicts and ecosystem exploitation. For sustainable development to occur—socially, economically, and environmentally—strong legal protections for local residents and workers are essential. This not only safeguards their rights but ensures marine tourism remains inclusive and environmentally sound. Summary Table: Observed Aspects and Challenges Aspect Condition & Challenges Marine Tourism Supports the local economy, but threatened by illegal reclamation and ecosystem damage. Community Empowerment Real community efforts exist, especially among women, but facilities and support remain limited. Legal Protection Positive steps include KLHK & KKP actions, and community-led lawsuits filed with LBH Jakarta.