Institutional models of natural resource management and utilization: lesson learning from Simarjarunjung tourism area, Lake Toba, Indonesia

Nature tourism is an effort to utilize natural resources that have been designated as tourist attraction objects to be targeted for tourism potential. One of the national strategic natural tourism areas around Lake Toba is Simarjarunjung. This area has an ecosystem of forest areas with very beautiful views that are managed by the community. This study aims to examine how the institutional management of natural tourism objects and the use of natural resources in the Simarjarunjung area of North Sumatra. This study uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The results of this study present various characteristics of the institutional aspects of nature tourism management. Various advantages and disadvantages exist in the form of management institutions, such as the Association of Forest Farmers Groups (Gapoktan), Tourism Aware Groups (Pokdarwis), and individuals/volunteers. The potential of natural resources that are utilized and managed in the form of views of Lake Toba, the natural charm of the mountains, the charm of pine stands, agroforestry ecosystems, and a cool microclimate. The results of the comparison of various institutional models and the use of natural resources can be used as a reference in the development of natural tourism by managers and related stakeholders.