Eksplorasi Budaya dan Studi Potensi Ekowisata Masyarakat Adat Nufit di Desa Ohoidertutu

Abstract

Kei Kecil Islands, particularly Ohoidertutu Village, represent a coastal region with high ecological and cultural richness. The Nufit indigenous community upholds the Tabob tradition, a culturally significant practice of utilizing leatherback turtles, although this practice is increasingly pressured by modern influences. This study aims to identify the local wisdom embedded in the Tabob tradition, analyze community perceptions and readiness for conservation-based ecotourism, and assess the ecotourism potential of Ohoidertutu Village. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires, and Tourism Suitability Index analysis. The findings indicate that the Tabob tradition continues to be practiced and orally transmitted despite undergoing adaptations over time. The community demonstrates strong knowledge, high support, and readiness to participate in the development of culture and conservation based ecotourism centered on leatherback turtles. The coastal suitability analysis shows a “highly suitable” category (IKW ≥ 2.5), suggesting that integrating cultural values with ecological conservation has the potential to become a sustainable tourism management model in Southeast Maluku.