Peran Pemimpin Informal Etnis Suku Bajau Dalam Pengembangan Pariwisata Di Gugusan Kepulauan Derawan Kabupaten Berau

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of informal leaders of the Bajau 
ethnic group in the development of tourism in the Derawan 
Archipelago, Berau Regency. Informal leaders within the Bajau 
community play a crucial role in mobilizing the community to 
participate in the tourism sector, including managing tourist 
destinations, enhancing community skills, and preserving natural and 
cultural heritage. The research employs a qualitative approach, 
collecting data through in-depth interviews with informal leaders, 
community figures, and local residents. The findings indicate that 
Bajau informal leaders significantly motivate community involvement 
in tourism development, despite challenges such as limited training 
and formal education. As facilitators, these leaders create effective 
deliberation forums to voice community aspirations in tourism 
management. Additionally, they act as mobilizers, successfully 
encouraging active participation in managing and developing marine 
tourism, although infrastructure limitations and inadequate tourism 
facilities pose challenges. 
Informal leaders of the Bajau ethnic group in the Derawan Archipelago 
hold a vital role in tourism development by fostering local cultural 
diversity, improving the community’s economy, and promoting 
sustainable environmental management. To optimize this role, support 
is needed to enhance human resource capacity, infrastructure 
development, and more supportive regulations for the local tourism 
sector.Authors must supply a structured abstract in their submission, 
which includes; Purpose (mandatory), Design/methodology/approach 
(mandatory), Findings/results (mandatory), Research 
limitations/implications (if applicable), Practical implications (if 
applicable), Social implications (if applicable), Originality/value 
(mandatory).