Coastal Ecotourism in Southeast Asia: A unique economic sector angle

Coastal Ecotourism in Southeast Asia: A unique economic sector angle | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Coastal Ecotourism in Southeast Asia: A unique economic sector angle SH Hengky This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7267309/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study gives a singular assessment of coastal ecotourism within Indonesia’s SEZs, as a model for developing Southeast Asia. It highlighting a crucial imbalance among infrastructure improvement and environmental conservation. by using a participatory mixed-strategies technique involving a number stakeholders, it exhibits key governance and network participation gaps, and advocates for proof-primarily based, inclusive coverage interventions. using a mixed-methods technique, records were collected thru cognizance organization discussions involving 300 stakeholders. predominant findings display that SEZs play a strategic position in coastal monetary boom, but there is an imbalance between infrastructure growth and environmental conservation. Low community engagement and weak institutional ability had been recognized as great limitations to reaching sustainable ecotourism. The take a look at highlights the want for stronger local participation and evidence-primarily based coverage in SEZ making plans to aid a balanced technique to monetary development and environmental stewardship. Hospitality and Tourism Environmental Policy Environmental Economics Biophysics special economic region coastal ecotourism environmental conservation community engagement sustainable improvement Figures Figure 1 INTRODUCTION Economic growth in Southeast Asia during the last two a long time has proven a very extensive trend, pushed by means of regional integration, overseas funding, and the transformation of the tourism and creative industries sectors. Indonesia, because the place's largest financial system, has located the improvement of unique financial Zones (SEZs) as a strategic instrument to boost up regional improvement and decorate international competitiveness. country wide coverage consciousness on SEZs isn't only directed at the economic and logistics sectors, however additionally consists of main tourism areas, which are considered to have considerable potential to attract investment, stimulate local economic increase, and enlarge the tourism region's contribution to national financial increase. With this technique, tourism SEZs are expected to turn out to be new epicentres of sustainable boom in numerous areas of Indonesia (Osuigwe & Gumbo, 2025). In current years, special monetary Zones (SEZs) have emerged as a strategic policy device in lots of developing countries to boost up nearby development, entice overseas funding, and enhance global competitiveness. Indonesia, a key participant in Southeast Asia, has actively promoted SEZs as part of its countrywide development schedule. As of 2022, the us of a has installed 19 SEZs, of which 12 are operational, with sectors starting from manufacturing and processing to tourism. 8 of those SEZs are explicitly devoted to tourism development, including the ones situated along coastal areas with wealthy environmental and socio-cultural belongings (Otchia & Wiryawan, 2024). Among these coastal tourism SEZs, there was a growing emphasis on ecotourism as a spot yet promising economic sector that aligns financial improvement with environmental conservation. Ecotourism initiatives in regions along with Mandalika, Tanjung Kelayang, Morotai, and Likupang mirror an rising version wherein economic incentives meet sustainability imperatives. those SEZs leverage herbal coastal splendor, biodiversity, and cultural background to draw eco-conscious tourists and investments that aid conservation-focused infrastructure, network-primarily based tourism organisations, and local empowerment applications. This fashion marks a brilliant shift from mass tourism development to greater inclusive and environmentally responsible boom paths (Caraka et al., 2023; Meilissa et al., 2025). The rapid development of SEZs, mainly in coastal regions, gives a dual assignment: reaching economic growth whilst preserving environmental sustainability. while the SEZ framework guarantees infrastructure funding, process advent, and advanced regional fairness, it additionally raises issues over ecological degradation, inadequate community engagement, and institutional capability gaps. these demanding situations are specifically acute in coastal SEZs, in which ecotourism improvement intersects with complicated environmental and social dynamics (Goodburn, 2025; Hasnain Liaquat et al., 2025). In spite of the theoretical attraction of combining SEZ mechanisms with ecotourism development, empirical research on their integration stays confined, specifically within the Southeast Asian context. maximum present research have targeted on financial performance, funding incentives, or regulatory frameworks, regularly overlooking how SEZs operate inside environmentally sensitive coastal landscapes. moreover, there's a paucity of proof on stakeholder perceptions and governance practices that shape the fulfilment or failure of coastal ecotourism in SEZs (Karmakar, 2025). This takes a look at seeks to fill this hole with the aid of seriously inspecting the improvement of coastal ecotourism inside SEZs in Indonesia. mainly, it investigates stakeholder perceptions, institutional boundaries, and infrastructure-environment exchange-offs. by using focusing on coastal SEZs as a case of embedded improvement coverage in emerging economies, this examine contributes to a deeper expertise of ways SEZs may be reimagined no longer only as financial engines however also as units for inclusive and sustainable local development (B. et al., 2025). The study makes two primary contributions. First, it presents empirical insights into the socio-environmental governance of SEZs, emphasizing neighborhood participation and institutional readiness. 2nd, it offers policy-relevant tips for aligning SEZ development with environmental conservation and community-based totally tourism strategies. Findings from this examine are anticipated to inform policymakers, investors, and scholars interested by sustainable economic transformation in the international South. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND Theoretical heritage and research Context Special financial Zones (SEZs) have lengthy been framed as policy laboratories to catalysed economic improvement, appeal to overseas direct investment (FDI), and promote export-oriented industrialization. Their enchantment lies within the rest of regulatory and economic constraints inside exact regions, developing enclaves of accelerated boom. In emerging economies, SEZs are increasingly more located not most effective as financial increase nodes however additionally as equipment to pressure spatial fairness and nearby competitiveness (Chan, 2020). In Southeast Asia, the convergence of SEZ coverage with tourism improvement—in particular ecotourism—has gained traction as governments are seeking for to faucet into natural assets to diversify economic opportunities. Ecotourism, described as responsible journey to natural areas that conserves the surroundings and sustains the well-being of local people, offers both monetary and ecological advantages. but, integrating ecotourism into SEZ policy frameworks stays underexplored. Theoretically, this intersection touches upon three number one constructs: sustainable improvement, institutional potential, and stakeholder governance (Njoku et al., 2025). Coastal Ecotourism in SEZs The theoretical foundation of coastal ecotourism inner SEZs intersects with the standards of marine spatial planning and incorporated coastal sector manage (ICZM), which propose for balancing ecological conservation with sustainable monetary improvement. The ones frameworks stress the significance of coping with tourism pressures in fragile coastal environments through zoning, stakeholder engagement, and environmental impact assessments—factors which might be regularly underdeveloped in SEZs designed by using and large for industrial hobby. moreover, the “blue economy” paradigm has emerged as a relevant lens for coastal SEZ improvement, promoting sustainable use of ocean assets for monetary growth even as maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. While, integrating coastal ecotourism into SEZ policy frameworks stays underexplored. Theoretically, this intersection touches upon three number one constructs: sustainable development, institutional potential, and stakeholder governance (Kesavan & Polisetty, 2025) Sustainable improvement in SEZs The application of sustainable improvement ideas inside SEZs requires balancing quick-term financial profits with lengthy-time period environmental and social concerns. This triadic stability aligns with the sustainability framework posited by Elkington’s “triple backside line,” encompassing economic viability, environmental safety, and social equity (Abraham, 2024). In exercise, but, SEZs often prioritize financial outputs, marginalizing environmental planning and social inclusion, especially in the context of ecologically sensitive coastal zones. Institutional and Governance demanding situations Institutional theory suggests that successful implementation of improvement guidelines, along with SEZs, depends at the power and adaptability of governance mechanisms. inside the context of ecotourism, susceptible institutional frameworks may also hinder powerful coordination among stakeholders, leading to fragmented implementation and ecological degradation. Moreover, low tiers of nearby participation and doubtful jurisdictional authority similarly complicate the operationalization of ecotourism inside SEZs (Fernández-i-Marín et al., 2025). Stakeholder Engagement and neighborhood Participation The concept of stakeholder principle is vital to the ecotourism-SEZ nexus, emphasizing the importance of inclusive decision-making processes that don't forget the pastimes of all affected parties, which include local groups, government corporations, investors, and environmental corporations. research display that ecotourism tasks that actively involve neighborhood groups are more likely to be successful and contribute to sustainable effects (Islam & Sarker, 2021). Indonesian Context In Indonesia, SEZ policy become added in 2014, and by using 2022, the country had mounted 19 SEZs, several of which might be placed in coastal regions. while these SEZs promise economic revitalization, many face challenges inclusive of infrastructure deficits, declining tourist visits, and environmental degradation. mainly, coastal SEZs show off a loss of included making plans that carries ecological and community dimensions. despite the strategic function these zones ought to play in selling eco-conscious tourism and regional inclusion, the implementation regularly suffers from top-down making plans and insufficient empirical tracking. Against this backdrop, this takes a look at investigates the interaction among institutional potential, stakeholder perceptions, and sustainable planning in Indonesian coastal SEZs. It aims to illuminate whether or not and the way SEZs can function effective cars for inclusive and environmentally touchy tourism improvement in Southeast Asia’s emerging economies (Koerner et al., 2024). METHODOLOGY This looks at adopts a combined-strategies research design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine the interaction between infrastructure improvement, environmental conservation, and community participation within the improvement of coastal ecotourism within Indonesia’s unique monetary Zones (SEZs). The methodological approach became selected to seize both the statistical patterns and contextual narratives that form stakeholder reports in SEZ coverage implementation (di Santo et al., 2025). Research system and sample Extraction The data series happened from October to December 2022, that specialize in decided on SEZs located along Indonesia’s coastal areas. The research process concerned two levels (Meskarpour-Amiri et al., 2025): Level 1: Quantitative Survey — A dependent questionnaire changed into disbursed to stakeholders operating within coastal SEZs. The sampling approach was purposive, focused on individuals with realistic experience or choice-making authority in tourism, neighborhood governance, and infrastructure control. level 2: Qualitative cognizance group Discussions (FGDs). FGDs have been prepared, each regarding one hundred fifty individuals (total N=three hundred), which include local authorities’ officers, tourism promotion board members, inn and eating place managers, transportation providers, and network-based totally tourism actors. those members have been selected to make certain a numerous illustration of perspectives alongside the SEZ price chain. Structured Variable Quantification The dependent variable on this look at is perceived sustainability of coastal SEZs, operationalized across three dimensions (Challoumis, 2025): Infrastructure Adequacy – the perceived sufficiency, first-rate, and accessibility of tourism-assisting infrastructure. Environmental Sustainability – stakeholders’ assessment of environmental safety and coastal conservation efforts. Community Engagement – the level of involvement of neighborhood communities in ecotourism planning, choice-making, and blessings distribution. Each measurement turned into measured the use of Likert-scale gadgets starting from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), taking into account quantification of stakeholder perceptions. gadgets were tested for inner consistency using Cronbach’s alpha (α > 0.70 taken into consideration suited) (Edelsbrunner et al., 2025). Information sources and dimension gadgets Primary statistics (Mink, 2023)had been collected thru: Established questionnaires: incorporating each closed-ended objects (Likert scale) and open-ended questions to seize stakeholder insights beyond quantifiable indicators. FGDs: used to elicit narrative data on stakeholder experiences, constraints, and strategies related to SEZ control and coastal ecotourism. Units had been pilot-examined with 20 respondents to make sure content validity and clarity. changes were made based on feedback to beautify reliability. Size and Coding Quantitative responses have been analyzed descriptively using manner, standard deviations, and frequency distributions (Zeb et al., 2025). Open-ended responses were processed using thematic content material evaluation, using a manual coding scheme that grouped responses into thematic classes (e.g., environmental risks, institutional constraints, network exclusion). Statistics triangulation was conducted by way of evaluating FGD effects with survey developments. moreover, responses have been examined for inter-rater reliability using Cohen’s Kappa to make certain consistency across coders. Kappa values ranged from 0.62 (network engagement) to 0.66 (infrastructure), indicating extensive settlement (Mazlan et al., 2025). Analytical gear Descriptive statistics have been computed using SAS 2025 software program (Lafter & Aleman, 2025). Qualitative insights have been processed the use of Python 3.13.5 to generate visible summaries, together with bar charts and thematic maps, to resource in records interpretation (Armin C. Stross & Radschinski, 2025). Reliability turned into proven the usage of Kappa coefficient, with values among 0.61 and 0.80 classified as extensive consistency (Strong et al., 2025). This methodological framework affords a robust basis for analyzing the interdependencies amongst institutional ability, infrastructure, environmental making plans, and stakeholder engagement in coastal SEZs. FINDINGS This segment provides the consequences from stakeholder opinions regarding the perceived priorities of special monetary Zones (SEZs) and coastal ecotourism development in Indonesia. The findings are based on Likert-scaled responses, triangulated through recognition institution discussions (FGDs), and visualized by Python 3.13.5 in Figure 1. (Armin C. Stross & Radschinski, 2025) Table 1. Tabulation of special economic zones Special economic zones Value % Freq Creating economic growth 25 0,1256 Equitable improvement 28 0.1407 Growing countrywide competitiveness 27 0.1357 Maximizing tourism activities 26 0.1307 Geoeconomic and geostrategic benefits 33 0.1658 Accelerating local improvement 29 0.1457 Regional development model for financial growth 31 0.1558 Kappa Value = K = 0.63 Table 2: Coastal Ecotourism Tabulated Results Ecotourism along the coast. Value % Freq Utilization of coastal environments 26 0.1857 Minimizing bad impacts on coastal ecosystems 25 0.1786 Priority of sustainable improvement 28 0.2000 Contribution to community economies 31 0.2214 Coastal landscapes and cultural landmarks 30 0.2143 Kappa Value = K = 0.62 Strategic Priorities in unique monetary Zones As shown in Table 1 and parent 1 (blue bars), the most emphasised dimension of SEZ development is geoeconomic and geostrategic advantages (16.58%), observed through nearby improvement fashions for economic boom (15.58%) and accelerating nearby development (14.57 %). those effects endorse that stakeholders apprehend SEZs commonly as a macroeconomic instrument, supposed to position Indonesia inside a broader regional and international financial architecture. Several signs along with developing financial boom (12.56%) and maximizing tourism sports (13.07%) acquired the lowest prioritization, suggesting that at the same time as monetary performance remains vital, it is less of a differentiating factor compared to strategic and structural benefits. The Kappa coefficient of 0.63 displays sturdy inter-rater settlement and helps the reliability of the results. It is resulting in several option: State of affairs A – Strategic country-constructing: SEZs are viewed predominantly as equipment for long-time period geopolitical and monetary leverage. This orientation favors national-stage planning and funding flows, which can also bypass neighborhood engagement until well incorporated. Scenario B – Structural nearby Transformation: The emphasis on economic improvement models and local acceleration may additionally replicate a dual strategy in which SEZs act as catalysts for institutional and infrastructural reform at the regional level. Priorities in Coastal Ecotourism improvement, Table 2 and the green bars in Figure 1 show a contrasting, yet complementary, angle. The maximum particularly rated attributes of coastal ecotourism are: contribution to community economies (22.14%); coastal landscapes and cultural landmarks (21.43%); and precedence of sustainable development (20.00%). Those findings indicate that the ecotourism version is strongly aligned with inclusive development and vicinity-based background values. In contrast, minimizing ecological effect (17.86%) and coastal environment utilization (18.50 %) obtained barely decrease scores, revealing ability anxiety between ecological safety and aid use. The Kappa value of 0.62 signifies consistent agreement among FGD individuals, making sure validity in representing community-oriented development themes. State of affairs C – Inclusive Tourism model: Ecotourism is seen now not just as an environmental problem however as a mechanism to assist local livelihoods and cultural resilience. This gives a effective basis for integrating monetary justice within sustainability frameworks. Scenario D – alternate-off dilemma: The lower problem for ecological degradation manipulates can also point to trade-offs in implementation. without robust regulatory layout, “eco”-tourism may want to result in accidental ecological damage or displacement. Alignment and disparity between sez and ecotourism agendas, comparing the two facts sets indicates both convergence and divergence in stakeholder priorities. even as SEZ development emphasizes geoeconomics and structural transformation, ecotourism prioritizes grassroots economic inclusion and cultural assets. this means a coverage gap in aligning top-down improvement with backside-up sustainability. Scenario E – integrated Sustainable SEZs: A possible pathway involves integrating ecotourism into SEZ strategies as a center financial pillar. This calls for that environmental protections and cultural belonging be embedded within SEZ masterplans, no longer handled as adjuncts. Situation F – Fragmented Governance hazard: Without institutional coordination, SEZs may additionally pursue financial growth in isolation, while ecotourism operates within restrained community scopes. This fragmentation can give rise to overlapping conflicts in land use processes, regulatory conflicts, and social conflicts. Precis of Insights from Figure 1 On discern 1 visually confirms the narrative comparison among macro-structural ambition (SEZ) and micro-socio-environmental needs (ecotourism). The parallel Kappa values (~0.62–0.63) in addition suggest that regardless of different priorities, stakeholder views are internally coherent, supplying a sturdy base for included governance interventions. The six situations supplied, state of affairs F – Fragmented Governance risk – represents the primary obstacle to the development of SEZs and sustainable ecotourism. Here's the rationale and purpose: This state of affairs illustrates the actual danger whilst there's a lack of robust institutional coordination between the management of special financial Zones (SEZs) and the ecotourism improvement time table. SEZs cognizance on macroeconomic increase and geostrategic techniques, at the same time as ecotourism emphasizes inclusive development, environmental protection, and local cultural history. while these procedures are applied one by one without an integrative coordination framework, capacity conflicts rise up. Some of those boundaries consist of: Overlapping in making plans and land use, SEZs may additionally prioritize huge infrastructure or business investments whilst neglecting the ecological functions of coastal regions that form the idea of ecotourism, such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, and cultural zones.; Regulatory and institutional conflicts, guidelines carried out to SEZs frequently prefer funding liberalization and deregulation, while ecotourism calls for strict environmental protection. This distinction in method creates coverage disharmony among crucial and nearby organizations; Social tensions between industry gamers and local groups, whilst communities are excluded from SEZ making plans and decision-making strategies, the capacity for conflict will increase, particularly if SEZ sports disrupt local livelihoods from community-based tourism; and Failure of sustainable improvement dreams, this fragmentation undermines the possibility to create SEZs that are not handiest economically competitive however also socially and ecologically sustainable. The inclusive aim of ecotourism will be misplaced if it's miles sidelined by using the SEZ's macroeconomic time table. In short, at the same time as all scenarios provide opportunities and demanding situations, situation F poses a main obstacle as it addresses the basis of fragmented development governance, which can undermine the brotherly love between monetary increase and environmental sustainability. therefore, integrative, pass-sectoral making plans is wanted, prioritizing speak among policymakers, investors, and neighborhood communities. The state of affairs C – Inclusive Tourism model – and scenario E – integrated Sustainable SEZs – constitute the principle advantages and possibilities for coastal ecotourism (CE) development in special financial zones (SEZs). This scenario positions ecotourism as a mechanism for nearby monetary empowerment, not simply as an environmental conservation project. accordingly, CEs are able to: Create locally-based totally jobs, including for excursion guides, nearby artisans, and homestay companies; Increase neighborhood cultural identity and background, that are key visitor points of interest in coastal regions; Encourage a circular and participatory economy, wherein the blessings of the tourism sector are loved no longer best by large traders but also by neighborhood groups. Miximizing the advantage and potential CE & SEZs To maximize the advantages and potential of Coastal Ecotourism (CE) development in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of the six scenarios supplied, state of affairs C – Inclusive Tourism version – and scenario E – integrated Sustainable SEZs – represent the primary blessings and possibilities for coastal ecotourism (CE) improvement in special economic zones (SEZs). This state of affairs positions ecotourism as a mechanism for neighborhood monetary empowerment, no longer simply as an environmental conservation mission. for this reason, CEs are capable of: Create domestically-based totally jobs, inclusive of for tour courses, neighborhood artisans, and homestay providers; Elevate neighborhood cultural identification and background, which might be key vacationer points of interest in coastal areas; and inspire a round and participatory financial system, where the blessings of the tourism region are enjoyed no longer most effective via big traders however additionally with the aid of neighborhood communities. To maximize the benefits and capability of Coastal Ecotourism (CE) development in special financial Zones (SEZs) even as addressing the important thing limitations identified in situation F (Fragmented Governance chance), here are hints for addressing the key issues (scenario F – Fragmented Governance hazard) This scenario highlights systemic boundaries inside the shape of uncoordinated management between SEZs and CEs. The outcomes are: Land use conflicts among SEZ infrastructure and coastal ecosystems; Regulatory disharmony among the SEZ's monetary liberalization time table and CE's environmental safety; Social tensions due to minimal neighborhood community involvement; and Failure of SDG goals due to financial development no longer being aligned with social and ecological sustainability. There are several obstacle control techniques to maximise CE advantages (eventualities C & E): a. Cross-sectoral institutional integration (to cope with fragmentation), the status quo of an SEZ–CE coordinating frame involving the Ministry of funding, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of surroundings and Forestry, in addition to nearby governments and neighborhood groups by synchronizing the SEZ master plan with the coastal conservation zoning and the nearby spatial plans. b. Reconstruct the SEZ version into included Sustainable SEZs (scenario E), reformulate the SEZ grasp plan to make ecotourism a key pillar of the nearby economic system. It requires each coastal SEZ development to include a strategic environmental effect assessment (KLHS) factor and a community-primarily based tourism improvement program. c. Support nearby participation through an inclusive method (situation C), offer deliberative area (FGDs, development planning conference) for coastal groups in SEZ making plans. It establishes nearby investment quotas and mentor ecotourism MSMEs via education, certification, and tax incentives. d. Align policies and incentives, harmonize SEZ incentive policies (e.g., tax exemptions) with environmental sustainability necessities, and expand a inexperienced financing scheme for SEZ buyers that correctly integrates CE into their business activities. e. Community-based tracking and evaluation, broaden shared overall performance signs (KPIs) that cover monetary, social, and environmental elements. It establishes a multi-stakeholder oversight committee (governance board) that consists of representatives from nearby groups, academia, and the personal quarter. Strategic conclusion To escape the fragmented governance lure, an integrative and participatory technique is fundamental. the primary obstacles in scenario F have to be addressed by combining the macro-structural imaginative and prescient of the SEZ (from eventualities A & B) with the inclusive and network-based goals of the CE (from scenarios C & E). consequently, the SEZ will now not simply become a device for countrywide monetary boom but also a platform for strengthening neighborhood welfare and sustainable coastal conservation have to be addressed by combining the macro-structural imaginative and prescient of the SEZ (from eventualities A & B) with the inclusive and network-based goals of the CE (from scenarios C & E). Implications of the opportunity: This situation can lay the foundation for extra inclusive and socially just SEZ improvement. that is critical because SEZs tend to recognition on large-scale funding and improvement. through adopting an inclusive tourism model, SEZs can stability macroeconomic orientation with microeconomic empowerment of surrounding groups. Second, scenario E – integrated Sustainable SEZs, blessings: Synergy among monetary increase and environmental conservation. This situation opens up the possibility to make ecotourism a key financial pillar within the SEZ master plan. this means: Coastal environments and cultural belongings are covered and promoted as development capital; Sustainability concepts are incorporated into infrastructure, funding, and region control; and Establishing get admission to to green financing, as sustainable SEZ initiatives are more attractive to donors and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) buyers. With the aid of adopting this technique, Indonesia can increase SEZs that are not most effective globally aggressive economically however additionally serve as fashions for inexperienced boom in Southeast Asia. DIALOGUE OF FINDINGS AND EVENTUALITIES This study identified several case studies in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) within the context of SEZ development planning: Firstly: Economic boom through unique financial Zones (SEZs) The tabulated outcomes in Table 1 suggest that the dominant advantages of SEZs are their contribution to economic increase (12.56%) and multiplied equity (14.07%). This aligns with Porter's (1990) local development theory, which emphasizes the significance of local aggressive gain. A Kappa value of 0.63 shows great agreement among respondents, indicating surprisingly steady perceptions of the strategic function of SEZs in riding boom. SEZs in Indonesia are frequently designed to stimulate investment with financial and non-economic incentives, however theoretical discourse highlights that those incentives are best effective when supported via infrastructure readiness and inclusive governance. Therefore, this situation calls for the lively involvement of nearby stakeholders to save you exclusionary boom. Secondly: Special monetary Zones (SEZs) as a regional development model that Promotes Competitiveness and equity The variables "Local improvement model for monetary boom" (15.58%) and "Accelerating nearby development" (14.57 %) indicate that SEZs are not simplest viewed as centres of financial increase but also as gear for equitable development. This reflects an area-primarily based improvement technique, in which improvement rules recognition on the particular characteristics of specific areas (Barca et al., 2012). The significance of this approach becomes even extra obvious inside the context of developing nations like Indonesia, in which nearby disparities remain high. therefore, SEZs may be a transformational solution if designed with social and environmental sensitivity, consisting of compensation mechanisms for the influences of nearby population relocation. Thirdly: Coastal Ecotourism as a Sustainable alternative In keeping with Table 2, the maximum dominant factors of coastal ecotourism are its contribution to the nearby economy (22.14%) and the protection of coastal landscapes and tradition (21.43%). This reinforces the literature on network-based tourism and sustainability, which emphasizes nearby participation as primary to ecotourism fulfilment. A Kappa value of 0.62 shows regular stakeholder perceptions of ecotourism potential. but the principal mission is preserving a stability among tourism commercialization and environmental conservation. on this scenario, zoning-primarily based management and sustainability certification (consisting of green Globe) are vital to prevent surroundings degradation. Fourthly: Integration of unique economic Zones (SEZs) and Coastal Ecotourism in local making plans This state of affairs highlights the potential synergy between SEZs and coastal ecotourism, mainly in geographically positive areas consisting of the south coast of Java or the east coast of Kalimantan. With an integrative technique, SEZs can accommodate green industrial zones and nature tourism zones related to marine conservation. However, this integration requires solid multi-level governance, given the differing hobbies of central, nearby, and network actors. The function of local governments as mediators is crucial, specifically in translating the country wide imaginative and prescient into concrete, locally-based totally programs. DEEP DIALOGUE There are several options for strengthening and integrating SEZ development in SEZ areas: Option 1: Strengthening unique economic Zones for Coastal economic boom and Ecotourism Table 1 indicates that the most prominent role of special financial Zones is in the dimensions of "Geoeconomic and Geostrategic advantages" (16.58 %) and "nearby improvement version for monetary boom" (15.58%). This indicates that special financial Zones have been directed not most effective to power countrywide monetary increase (12.56 %) and improve equity (14.07%), however additionally to combine strategic areas into the global economic system. Within the coastal context, Table 2 suggests that ecotourism contributes notably to the community economic system (22.14%) and the upkeep of coastal landscapes and cultural background (21.43%). This suggests an opportunity for synergy among unique monetary Zones and Coastal Ecotourism (CE) in creating a sustainable, place-based development model. On this scheme, unique financial Zones can act as catalysts for infrastructure development, improved accessibility, and investment in coastal areas, thereby strengthening ecotourism sports. the combination of financial development and local cultural upkeep is a key electricity in building inclusive and competitive coastal areas. Option 2: complete Integration of special economic Zones (SEZs) with Sustainable Coastal Ecotourism This scheme makes a speciality of a holistic technique wherein SEZ development is designed from the outset to assist the standards of sustainable coastal ecotourism. based on Table 2, the dimensions "Precedence of Sustainable development" (20%) and "Minimizing unfavorable influences on coastal ecosystems" (17.86%) spotlight the importance of retaining environmental sustainability in all financial sports. Direct involvement of SEZs in sustainable coastal conservation and management programs—as an instance, through strict zoning, emission controls, habitat safety, and partnerships with indigenous and neighborhood groups—can create sturdy coverage synergies. In different words, SEZs aren't simplest spaces for economic boom however additionally laboratories for sustainable improvement based totally on coastal ecosystems. Inside this framework, the high Kappa signs (k=0.63 for SEZs and okay=0.62 for CEs) indicate constant stakeholder perceptions of the importance of integrating financial and environmental improvement dimensions. Option three: Separate improvement of SEZs and Ecotourism with risks of Land conflict and policy Fragmentation This situation displays a state of affairs in which SEZs are evolved completely for financial purposes, whilst coastal ecotourism develops organically or independently of the country wide coverage framework. This lack of synergy can result in conflicts over area and resource use, governance fragmentation, and vulnerability to environmental degradation. Some of the key barriers that arise on this state of affairs consist of: Policy dualism: SEZs are managed by using separate authorities with investment and industrialization mandates, whilst Ecotourism operates underneath the oversight of the tourism and environmental sectors, without sturdy coordination. Land use conflicts: Coastal areas that function ecotourism habitats are regularly compromised for the improvement of SEZ commercial infrastructure. Exclusion of local communities: a very top-down SEZ model can exclude nearby community participation in decision-making and cultural upkeep. Consequently, this state of affairs emphasizes the want for collaborative spatial making plans and governance that could harmonize financial and conservation targets. The role of special economic Zones (SEZs) in Coastal development and Environmental Conservation SEZs aren't restricted to economic growth however additionally keep great ability for revitalizing coastal regions. through investment in green infrastructure, stepped forward get entry to easy water and sanitation, and the usage of low-carbon technology, SEZs can substantially enhance the best of existence for coastal groups. Inside the context of conservation, SEZs can characteristic as drivers of innovation through: Implementation of global environmental standards Development of inexperienced zones and ecological corridors Monetary incentives for businesses that put into effect ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ideas Boundaries to SEZ improvement and Coastal Ecotourism There are several hurdles to their development: Overlapping rules: Many SEZs lack particular guidelines governing environmentally sound improvement, leaving them liable to exploitation of coastal sources. Imbalance between conservation and the economic system: a focal point on quick-time period economic increase often overrides coastal ecosystem protection. Loss of spatial facts and environmental assessment: development decision-making is frequently no longer supported by accurate coastal surroundings information. Vulnerable neighbourhood institutional ability: local governments regularly lack the technical and budgetary capability to comprehensively oversee SEZ projects. DIALOGUE OF FINDINGS AND SITUATIONS Based totally on tabulated tables regarding unique financial zones (SEZs) and coastal ecotourism (CE), numerous vital findings emerged that form the idea of this discussion in 3 main factors: the position of SEZs in coastal location development, the relationship between SEZs and environmental conservation, and the demanding situations of developing SEZs and CEs. The role of SEZs in Coastal vicinity development Table 1 indicates that SEZs make a contribution significantly to numerous development planning strategies, with the best rating for the geoeconomic and geostrategic blessings indicator (16.58%), followed by means of the nearby development version for economic boom (15.58%), and accelerating local improvement (14.57 %): Plan A: If SEZ improvement is directed closer to nearby development, SEZs have the potential to emerge as a catalyst for infrastructure development, enhancing the pleasant of public services, and creating jobs in coastal regions. Plan B: If the special economic region (SEZ) makes a speciality of maximizing tourism sports and developing national competitiveness, coastal development might be incorporated with the tourism quarter, using provider-primarily based monetary increase, but requires attention to environmental sustainability. The function of SEZs in Environmental Conservation (CE). Table 2 suggests that contribution to the neighborhood financial system (22.14%) and usage of cultural and coastal landscapes (21.43%) are important aspects of CE. however, minimizing poor impacts on ecosystems is likewise outstanding (17.86%). Plan C: If the SEZ is designed with coastal ecotourism concepts, synergy can be created between environmental conservation and financial development. as an example, investment can be directed in the direction of environmentally pleasant infrastructure, concerning local groups in ecotourism management, and retaining coastal ecosystems (mangroves and coral reefs). The kappa cost for SEZs (0.63) and CE (0.62) shows a strong level of consistency of opinion concerning the essential position of those sectors. Boundaries to SEZ and Coastal Ecotourism development Numerous key obstacles diagnosed: Inter-agency coordination: Institutional fragmentation regularly slows the implementation of coastal-based SEZs and CE. Land and spatial planning conflicts: SEZs that fail to deal with coastal zoning can result in conflicts between buyers and local communities or fishermen. Lack of local potential: CE improvement requires human sources who understand sustainability concepts, that are nonetheless restricted in a few areas. Over-commercialization: SEZs that overemphasize economic increase can forget conservation and endanger coastal ecosystems. Regulatory uncertainty: Inconsistencies between vital and regional guidelines complicate the mixing of SEZs and the environmental agenda. COVERAGE IMPLICATIONS The Indonesian authorities maintain to broaden special financial Zones (SEZs) as a strategy to boost up economic growth thru funding and task introduction. in the meantime, coastal ecotourism (CE) is a strategic method that helps environmental conservation at the same time as strengthening the nearby economy. but, the integration of SEZs and CEs still faces structural, regulatory, and ecological demanding situations: The authorities desire to layout coastal-based totally SEZs that combine CE standards as a part of a sustainable development approach. The capacity of nearby groups is needed to actively participate in the SEZ and CE ecosystems. policies are needed to provide incentives for SEZ agencies that undertake environmental conservation standards. These implications encourage the combination of SEZs and CEs into sustainable improvement in Southeast Asia (Indonesia). Key Findings: SEZs Play a sizeable function in financial boom: From a frequency analysis, the biggest contributions of SEZs lie in geostrategic benefits (sixteen.58%), regional development fashions (15.58%), and local improvement (14.57%). This suggests that SEZs have the potential to pressure increase locally and nationally. Coastal Ecotourism Contributes to neighborhood well-Being and Conservation: High Consistency and Validity: The Kappa values for SEZs (0.63) and CEs (0.62) imply a strong understanding and consistency in respondents' perceptions and information. Three strategic issues: SEZs nevertheless consciousness on macroeconomic growth, but have now not been completely integrated with environmental sustainability processes, particularly in coastal regions. CEs face confined investment, institutional potential, and overlapping guidelines with SEZ management authorities. Environmental challenges and coastal environment degradation can hinder the success of each strategies without strategic integration. Coverage guidelines: Integrating special monetary zone making plans with Coastal Ecotourism standards: Applicable ministries (Ministry of Tourism and creative economy, Coordinating Ministry for financial Affairs, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) need to expand a regulatory framework that ensures that each coastal special financial sector development need to undertake ecotourism and conservation standards. Strengthening Collaborative Governance: Contain local communities, environmental NGOs, and the private region within the planning and control of special economic Zones (SEZs) primarily based on public-personal-network partnerships (percent). Strengthening Human assets and inexperienced generation ability: broaden training programs for organizations and local communities on green enterprise, surroundings conservation, and coastal risk control. Incentive and Disincentive projects: Provide fiscal incentives for green funding in SEZs and impose disincentives on monetary activities that harm coastal regions. Atmosphere-based totally Mapping and Zoning: Conduct a strategic environmental evaluation earlier than determining the vicinity of a coastal SEZ to make certain that crucial ecosystems are maintained. CONCLUSION SEZs and CEs should not be stand-on my own tactics. Synergy between the two can reinforce sustainable improvement, especially in vulnerable coastal regions with high monetary and ecological ability. imperative and nearby governments are predicted to take an active role in knowing this integration as a part of the country wide sustainable improvement time table. The improvement of unique financial Zones (SEZs) in emerging economies may be advanced through adopting satisfactory practices located in a success implementation, along with the ones in East Asian growth areas (Aggarwal, 2022) in particular, focused techniques that focus on geoeconomic incentives — such as tax discounts, regulatory simplification, and infrastructural funding — have demonstrated powerful. As shown in this look at, the SEZs’ contribution to local competitiveness and geostrategic positioning performs a vital function in driving monetary development. Inside the context of coastal zones, integrating ecotourism within SEZ frameworks offers a strategic pathway for sustainable growth. The effects suggest sturdy help for ecotourism’s ability in enhancing network livelihoods (22.14%) and preserving environmental and cultural property (21.43 %). for that reason, three center techniques have to be emphasized: Maximizing geoeconomic and geostrategic advantages to draw funding and drive tourism innovation. Enhancing coastal environmental conservation, by using mitigating tourism’s terrible affects, selling landscape healing, and empowering neighbourhood communities. Fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to sell tourism while retaining the balance among financial increase and environmental sustainability. Regardless of those opportunities, the development of SEZs and coastal ecotourism faces remarkable constraints, including regulatory inconsistencies, confined potential for environmental governance, and weak network participation. future regulations ought to deal with those boundaries by fostering institutional coordination and adaptive governance mechanisms. This research makes numerous crucial contributions This examine contributes to the developing body of literature on sustainable tourism and special monetary zones (SEZs) by presenting novel insights into the coastal ecotourism development inside Indonesia’s SEZs—an area that remains underexplored, particularly inside the context of developing Southeast Asian international locations. the key novelties of this study are as follows: Contextual focus on coastal ecotourism within SEZs in a Southeast |Asia. putting: even as SEZs have been widely studied in terms of economic effect, few research has specifically examined their intersection with coastal ecotourism and environmental sustainability in Indonesia or similar emerging economies. Participatory and mixed-techniques method: using a blended-methods design, related to 300 stakeholders via cantered institution discussions, presents an inclusive and empirical foundation for knowledge the governance and network dynamics in SEZ-driven coastal tourism. This approach complements the robustness and depth of the findings. Revealing the imbalance among infrastructure development and environmental conservation: the have a look at identifies a considerable hole among rapid infrastructure increase in SEZs and the forget of environmental safeguards, presenting a vital lens on the assumption that SEZs inherently support sustainable improvement. Highlighting institutional and social participation barriers: via uncovering weak institutional capacities and low network involvement as principal boundaries to sustainable ecotourism, the have a look at advances the discourse on governance demanding situations in SEZ implementation. Policy-oriented insights: the look at emphasizes the need for evidence-based, participatory policymaking to make sure a more balanced and inclusive model of SEZ improvement that aligns financial goals with environmental stewardship. Declarations Kindly inform you that this study participant agrees to participate as a volunteer, provided that their identity is kept anonymous and in accordance to the Helsinki Convention. Ethical approval Given that this paper involves research with human participants, Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee at the Prasetiya Mandiri (Kent) Polytechnics, with which one of the authors is affiliated. Disclosure statement No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). Funding No funding was received. ORCID SH Hengky: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6614-8441 Acknowledgment The authors would like to thank the SHINE Institute for their voluntary assistance in distributing and collecting questionnaires from respondents, as well as during the focus group discussions. In addition, the authors would also like to thank the respondents and the authors for keeping their identities confidential and making them anonymous and all personal or identifying data collected are not published. References Abraham, K. T. (2024). Responsible leadership and triple bottom line performance: imperatives for corporate sustainability. Journal of Global Responsibility , 15 (4), 485–500. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGR-06-2023-0111 Aggarwal, A. (2022). Special Economic Zones for Shared Prosperity: Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. Asian Development Bank . https://doi.org/10.22617/TCS220424-2 Armin C. Stross, & Radschinski. (2025, June 11). Python Release Python 3.13.5 . Www. 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Testing theories of policy growth: public demands, interest group politics, electoral competition, and institutional fragmentation. Journal of European Public Policy , 32 (3), 784–809. https://doi.org/10.1080/13501763.2024.2317358 Goodburn, C. (2025). Urbanising the Villages: Three modes of village incorporation and the implications for structural transition in India’s “Chinese-style” special economic zones (SEZs). World Development , 188 , 106882. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.WORLDDEV.2024.106882 Hasnain Liaquat, N., Ahmad, S., Nazir Malik, M., Khan Bangash, A., & Ul Islam, M. (2025). Evaluation Of SEZs Policies, Implications, And Its Impact on Industrialization in KP Under CPEC. Special) Khyber Journal of Public Policy , 1. Islam, M. W., & Sarker, T. (2021). Sustainable coastal and maritime tourism: A potential blue economy avenue for Bangladesh . https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/249472 Kesavan, V., & Polisetty, A. (2025). A Holistic View of Ecotourism and the Different Ways of Applying Technology to Drive Ecotourism Towards Sustainable Development. Https://Services.Igi-Global.Com/Resolvedoi/Resolve.Aspx?Doi=10.4018/979-8-3693-9107-5.Ch001 , 1–36. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-9107-5.CH001 Koerner, B., Sushartami, W., & Spencer, D. M. (2024). An assessment of tourism policies and planning in Indonesia. Tourism Recreation Research , 49 (6), 1500–1511. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2023.2214030 Mazlan, M. H., Puteh, S., Mohamad, Z., Sulaiman, N. L., Mohd Salleh, K., Wan Omar, W. R., Buhari, R., & Mp, H. (2025). Crafting the future workforce: a Fleiss Kappa exploration of Industry 4.0 talent perspectives. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning , 15 (3), 576–594. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-05-2024-0145 Meilissa, I., Maramis, G., Maramis, R. A., & Roeroe, S. D. L. (2025). Legal regulations for the management and development of the Likupang special economic tourism zone. LEX ADMINISTRATUM , 13 (2). https://ejournal.unsrat.ac.id/v3/index.php/administratum/article/view/61074 Meskarpour-Amiri, M., Shokri, N., Aliyari, S., Bahadori, M., & Hosseini-Shokouh, S. M. (2025). Strategies to reduce costs and increase revenue in hospitals: a mixed methods investigation in Iran. BMC Health Services Research , 25 (1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12913-025-12295-7/TABLES/7 Mink, R. (2023). Globalisation and Official Statistics. Official Statistics—A Plaything of Politics? , 209–232. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04624-7_9 Njoku, C., Bonang, M. S., Njoku, C., & Bonang, M. S. (2025). Analyzing the Economic Impact of Botswana’s SEZ Policy on National Growth: A Systematic Review. Open Journal of Business and Management , 13 (3), 1612–1633. https://doi.org/10.4236/OJBM.2025.133084 Osuigwe, C., & Gumbo, T. (2025). Political economy of special economic zones modelling and their impact on regional integration and inclusivity: The case of Maluti A Phofung Special Economic Zone, Free State Province, South Africa. Contemporary South Africa and the Political Economy of Regional Development , 196–213. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003397823-11/POLITICAL-ECONOMY-SPECIAL-ECONOMIC-ZONES-MODELLING-IMPACT-REGIONAL-INTEGRATION-INCLUSIVITY-CHUKWUEMEKA-OSUIGWE-TRYNOS-GUMBO Otchia, C. S., & Wiryawan, B. A. (2024). The impact of special economic zones on structural change. The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development . https://doi.org/10.1080/09638199.2024.2309927 Otchia, C. S., & Wiryawan, B. A. (2025). The impact of special economic zones on structural change. The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development , 34 (1), 34–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638199.2024.2309927 Strong, R., Borgstroem, O., Nathan, R., Wasko, C., & O’Shea, D. (2025). Global Applicability of the Kappa Distribution for Rainfall Frequency Analysis. Water Resources Research , 61 (2), e2024WR039035. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024WR039035 Zeb, I., Khan, A., & Yan, Z. (2025). Exploring the influence of core self-evaluation on students’ academic self-efficacy: a qualitative study considering anxiety and interpersonal responses. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education , 17 (1), 526–541. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-07-2024-0343 Zeng, D. Z. (2016). Global experiences of special economic zones with focus on China and Africa: Policy insights. Journal of International Commerce, Economics and Policy , 7 (3). https://doi.org/10.1142/S1793993316500186 Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7267309","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":494067054,"identity":"552314eb-c14c-431f-9896-a963e5a95119","order_by":0,"name":"SH Hengky","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABCUlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACAyBmbGBgSGBgB1IfQAzitTAzNjDOIFELAwMzDzFazNl7D7+c2caQx9/M3LrZts0uj5+9gfHDxxwGeYMD2LVY9pxLs9zYxlAscZix7XZuW3KxZM8BZsmZ2xgMN+DQYnAjx8zwYRtDYgNEC3PihhsJbMy82xgYcWq5/waiZT5Ii2VbPVyLPW5beIwfAh2WuAGkhbHtMFxLIk4tZ3LMGGecY0jcCNRys+fc8cSZPQebgX6RSJ6JS8vxM8Yfe8oYEucdb39240dZdWI/e/PBDx+32dj24dACBGwSjGz/IUxGNjDZACQkcKoHAuYPDH9g7D/4FI6CUTAKRsFIBQDXvWeAorGdkgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6614-8441","institution":"Prasetiya Mandiri Maritime Institute; Prasetiya Mandiri Polytechnics","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"SH","middleName":"","lastName":"Hengky","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-08-01 04:45:27","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":false,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"humanSubjectConsent":false,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7267309/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7267309/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":88852649,"identity":"6996c7ef-cb9e-4727-a167-c30c729edf1e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-12 05:55:33","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":643058,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePython Graph\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7267309/v1/120c1fdadccd25cda209c393.jpeg"},{"id":88855431,"identity":"dcbcbb1e-752b-4179-8ec4-f399152adcba","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-12 06:27:33","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1553474,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7267309/v1/c3a3dcf7-a8dd-40b6-ac44-59066ffec6e4.pdf"},{"id":88852651,"identity":"ed842a8c-3e25-4ba1-b73b-b653fb1e432b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-12 05:55:33","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":93605,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGraphical Abstarct\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"GA.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7267309/v1/376551ad0bec49364692ee32.jpg"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eCoastal Ecotourism in Southeast Asia: A unique economic sector angle\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eEconomic growth in Southeast Asia during the last two a long time has proven a very extensive trend, pushed by means of regional integration, overseas funding, and the transformation of the tourism and creative industries sectors. Indonesia, because the place\u0026apos;s largest financial system, has located the improvement of unique financial Zones (SEZs) as a strategic instrument to boost up regional improvement and decorate international competitiveness. country wide coverage consciousness on SEZs isn\u0026apos;t only directed at the economic and logistics sectors, however additionally consists of main tourism areas, which are considered to have considerable potential to attract investment, stimulate local economic increase, and enlarge the tourism region\u0026apos;s contribution to national financial increase. With this technique, tourism SEZs are expected to turn out to be new epicentres of sustainable boom in numerous areas of Indonesia (Osuigwe \u0026amp; Gumbo, 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn current years, special monetary Zones (SEZs) have emerged as a strategic policy device in lots of developing countries to boost up nearby development, entice overseas funding, and enhance global competitiveness. Indonesia, a key participant in Southeast Asia, has actively promoted SEZs as part of its countrywide development schedule. As of 2022, the us of a has installed 19 SEZs, of which 12 are operational, with sectors starting from manufacturing and processing to tourism. 8 of those SEZs are explicitly devoted to tourism development, including the ones situated along coastal areas with wealthy environmental and socio-cultural belongings (Otchia \u0026amp; Wiryawan, 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong these coastal tourism SEZs, there was a growing emphasis on ecotourism as a spot yet promising economic sector that aligns financial improvement with environmental conservation. Ecotourism initiatives in regions along with Mandalika, Tanjung Kelayang, Morotai, and Likupang mirror an rising version wherein economic incentives meet sustainability imperatives. those SEZs leverage herbal coastal splendor, biodiversity, and cultural background to draw eco-conscious tourists and investments that aid conservation-focused infrastructure, network-primarily based tourism organisations, and local empowerment applications. This fashion marks a brilliant shift from mass tourism development to greater inclusive and environmentally responsible boom paths (Caraka et al., 2023; Meilissa et al., 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rapid development of SEZs, mainly in coastal regions, gives a dual assignment: reaching economic growth whilst preserving environmental sustainability. while the SEZ framework guarantees infrastructure funding, process advent, and advanced regional fairness, it additionally raises issues over ecological degradation, inadequate community engagement, and institutional capability gaps. these demanding situations are specifically acute in coastal SEZs, in which ecotourism improvement intersects with complicated environmental and social dynamics (Goodburn, 2025; Hasnain Liaquat et al., 2025).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn spite of the theoretical attraction of combining SEZ mechanisms with ecotourism development, empirical research on their integration stays confined, specifically within the Southeast Asian context. maximum present research have targeted on financial performance, funding incentives, or regulatory frameworks, regularly overlooking how SEZs operate inside environmentally sensitive coastal landscapes. moreover, there\u0026apos;s a paucity of proof on stakeholder perceptions and governance practices that shape the fulfilment or failure of coastal ecotourism in SEZs (Karmakar, 2025).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis takes a look at seeks to fill this hole with the aid of seriously inspecting the improvement of coastal ecotourism inside SEZs in Indonesia. mainly, it investigates stakeholder perceptions, institutional boundaries, and infrastructure-environment exchange-offs. by using focusing on coastal SEZs as a case of embedded improvement coverage in emerging economies, this examine contributes to a deeper expertise of ways SEZs may be reimagined no longer only as financial engines however also as units for inclusive and sustainable local development (B. et al., 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study makes two primary contributions. First, it presents empirical insights into the socio-environmental governance of SEZs, emphasizing neighborhood participation and institutional readiness. 2nd, it offers policy-relevant tips for aligning SEZ development with environmental conservation and community-based totally tourism strategies. Findings from this examine are anticipated to inform policymakers, investors, and scholars interested by sustainable economic transformation in the international South.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"THEORETICAL BACKGROUND","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheoretical heritage and research Context\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecial financial Zones (SEZs) have lengthy been framed as policy laboratories to catalysed economic improvement, appeal to overseas direct investment (FDI), and promote export-oriented industrialization. Their enchantment lies within the rest of regulatory and economic constraints inside exact regions, developing enclaves of accelerated boom. In emerging economies, SEZs are increasingly more located not most effective as financial increase nodes however additionally as equipment to pressure spatial fairness and nearby competitiveness (Chan, 2020).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Southeast Asia, the convergence of SEZ coverage with tourism improvement\u0026mdash;in particular ecotourism\u0026mdash;has gained traction as governments are seeking for to faucet into natural assets to diversify economic opportunities. Ecotourism, described as responsible journey to natural areas that conserves the surroundings and sustains the well-being of local people, offers both monetary and ecological advantages. but, integrating ecotourism into SEZ policy frameworks stays underexplored. Theoretically, this intersection touches upon three number one constructs: sustainable improvement, institutional potential, and stakeholder governance (Njoku et al., 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoastal Ecotourism in SEZs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe theoretical foundation of coastal ecotourism inner SEZs intersects with the standards of marine spatial planning and incorporated coastal sector manage (ICZM), which propose for balancing ecological conservation with sustainable monetary improvement. The ones frameworks stress the significance of coping with tourism pressures in fragile coastal environments through zoning, stakeholder engagement, and environmental impact assessments\u0026mdash;factors which might be regularly underdeveloped in SEZs designed by using and large for industrial hobby. moreover, the \u0026ldquo;blue economy\u0026rdquo; paradigm has emerged as a relevant lens for coastal SEZ improvement, promoting sustainable use of ocean assets for monetary growth even as maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. While, integrating coastal ecotourism into SEZ policy frameworks stays underexplored. Theoretically, this intersection touches upon three number one constructs: sustainable development, institutional potential, and stakeholder governance (Kesavan \u0026amp; Polisetty, 2025)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSustainable improvement in SEZs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe application of sustainable improvement ideas inside SEZs requires balancing quick-term financial profits with lengthy-time period environmental and social concerns. This triadic stability aligns with the sustainability framework posited by Elkington\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;triple backside line,\u0026rdquo; encompassing economic viability, environmental safety, and social equity (Abraham, 2024). In exercise, but, SEZs often prioritize financial outputs, marginalizing environmental planning and social inclusion, especially in the context of ecologically sensitive coastal zones.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstitutional and Governance demanding situations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstitutional theory suggests that successful implementation of improvement guidelines, along with SEZs, depends at the power and adaptability of governance mechanisms. inside the context of ecotourism, susceptible institutional frameworks may also hinder powerful coordination among stakeholders, leading to fragmented implementation and ecological degradation. Moreover, low tiers of nearby participation and doubtful jurisdictional authority similarly complicate the operationalization of ecotourism inside SEZs (Fern\u0026aacute;ndez-i-Mar\u0026iacute;n et al., 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStakeholder Engagement and neighborhood Participation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe concept of stakeholder principle is vital to the ecotourism-SEZ nexus, emphasizing the importance of inclusive decision-making processes that don\u0026apos;t forget the pastimes of all affected parties, which include local groups, government corporations, investors, and environmental corporations. research display that ecotourism tasks that actively involve neighborhood groups are more likely to be successful and contribute to sustainable effects (Islam \u0026amp; Sarker, 2021).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndonesian Context\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Indonesia, SEZ policy become added in 2014, and by using 2022, the country had mounted 19 SEZs, several of which might be placed in coastal regions. while these SEZs promise economic revitalization, many face challenges inclusive of infrastructure deficits, declining tourist visits, and environmental degradation. mainly, coastal SEZs show off a loss of included making plans that carries ecological and community dimensions. despite the strategic function these zones ought to play in selling eco-conscious tourism and regional inclusion, the implementation regularly suffers from top-down making plans and insufficient empirical tracking. Against this backdrop, this takes a look at investigates the interaction among institutional potential, stakeholder perceptions, and sustainable planning in Indonesian coastal SEZs. It aims to illuminate whether or not and the way SEZs can function effective cars for inclusive and environmentally touchy tourism improvement in Southeast Asia\u0026rsquo;s emerging economies (Koerner et al., 2024).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"METHODOLOGY","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis looks at adopts a combined-strategies research design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine the interaction between infrastructure improvement, environmental conservation, and community participation within the improvement of coastal ecotourism within Indonesia\u0026rsquo;s unique monetary Zones (SEZs). The methodological approach became selected to seize both the statistical patterns and contextual narratives that form stakeholder reports in SEZ coverage implementation (di Santo et al., 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResearch system and sample Extraction\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data series happened from October to December 2022, that specialize in decided on SEZs located along Indonesia\u0026rsquo;s coastal areas. The research process concerned two levels (Meskarpour-Amiri et al., 2025):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLevel 1: Quantitative Survey \u0026mdash; A dependent questionnaire changed into disbursed to stakeholders operating within coastal SEZs. The sampling approach was purposive, focused on individuals with realistic experience or choice-making authority in tourism, neighborhood governance, and infrastructure control.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003elevel 2: Qualitative cognizance group Discussions (FGDs). \u0026nbsp;FGDs have been prepared, each regarding one hundred fifty individuals (total N=three hundred), which include local authorities\u0026rsquo; officers, tourism promotion board members, inn and eating place managers, transportation providers, and network-based totally tourism actors. those members have been selected to make certain a numerous illustration of perspectives alongside the SEZ price chain.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStructured Variable Quantification\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dependent variable on this look at is perceived sustainability of coastal SEZs, operationalized across three dimensions (Challoumis, 2025):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInfrastructure Adequacy \u0026ndash; the perceived sufficiency, first-rate, and accessibility of tourism-assisting infrastructure.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEnvironmental Sustainability \u0026ndash; stakeholders\u0026rsquo; assessment of environmental safety and coastal conservation efforts.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCommunity Engagement \u0026ndash; the level of involvement of neighborhood communities in ecotourism planning, choice-making, and blessings distribution.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach measurement turned into measured the use of Likert-scale gadgets starting from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), taking into account quantification of stakeholder perceptions. gadgets were tested for inner consistency using Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alpha (\u0026alpha; \u0026gt; 0.70 taken into consideration suited) (Edelsbrunner et al., 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformation sources and dimension gadgets\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimary statistics (Mink, 2023)had been collected thru:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEstablished questionnaires: incorporating each closed-ended objects (Likert scale) and open-ended questions to seize stakeholder insights beyond quantifiable indicators.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFGDs: used to elicit narrative data on stakeholder experiences, constraints, and strategies related to SEZ control and coastal ecotourism.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnits had been pilot-examined with 20 respondents to make sure content validity and clarity. changes were made based on feedback to beautify reliability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize and Coding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuantitative responses have been analyzed descriptively using manner, standard deviations, and frequency distributions (Zeb et al., 2025). Open-ended responses were processed using thematic content material evaluation, using a manual coding scheme that grouped responses into thematic classes (e.g., environmental risks, institutional constraints, network exclusion).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatistics triangulation was conducted by way of evaluating FGD effects with survey developments. moreover, responses have been examined for inter-rater reliability using Cohen\u0026rsquo;s Kappa to make certain consistency across coders. Kappa values ranged from 0.62 (network engagement) to 0.66 (infrastructure), indicating extensive settlement (Mazlan et al., 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalytical gear\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"decimal_type\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDescriptive statistics have been computed using SAS 2025 software program (Lafter \u0026amp; Aleman, 2025).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eQualitative insights have been processed the use of Python 3.13.5 to generate visible summaries, together with bar charts and thematic maps, to resource in records interpretation (Armin C. Stross \u0026amp; Radschinski, 2025).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eReliability turned into proven the usage of Kappa coefficient, with values among 0.61 and 0.80 classified as extensive consistency (Strong et al., 2025).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis methodological framework affords a robust basis for analyzing the interdependencies amongst institutional ability, infrastructure, environmental making plans, and stakeholder engagement in coastal SEZs.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"FINDINGS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis segment provides the consequences from stakeholder opinions regarding the perceived priorities of special monetary Zones (SEZs) and coastal ecotourism development in Indonesia. The findings are based on Likert-scaled responses, triangulated through recognition institution discussions (FGDs), and visualized by Python 3.13.5 in Figure 1. (Armin C. Stross \u0026amp; Radschinski, 2025)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 1. Tabulation of special economic zones\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"524\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 396px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial economic zones\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eValue\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e% Freq\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 396px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCreating economic growth\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,1256\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 396px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEquitable improvement\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1407\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 396px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGrowing countrywide competitiveness\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1357\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 396px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximizing tourism activities\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1307\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 396px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGeoeconomic and geostrategic benefits\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1658\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 396px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAccelerating local improvement\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1457\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 396px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRegional development model for financial growth\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1558\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 396px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKappa Value = K =\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 2: Coastal Ecotourism Tabulated Results\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"493\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 365px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEcotourism along the coast.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eValue\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e% Freq\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 365px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUtilization of coastal environments\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1857\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 365px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimizing bad impacts on coastal ecosystems\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1786\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 365px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePriority of sustainable improvement\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.2000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 365px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eContribution to community economies\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.2214\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 365px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCoastal landscapes and cultural landmarks\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.2143\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 365px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKappa Value = K =\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 64px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrategic Priorities in unique monetary Zones\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs shown in Table 1 and parent 1 (blue bars), the most emphasised dimension of SEZ development is geoeconomic and geostrategic advantages (16.58%), observed through nearby improvement fashions for economic boom (15.58%) and accelerating nearby development (14.57 %). those effects endorse that stakeholders apprehend SEZs commonly as a macroeconomic instrument, supposed to position Indonesia inside a broader regional and international financial architecture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral signs along with developing financial boom (12.56%) and maximizing tourism sports (13.07%) acquired the lowest prioritization, suggesting that at the same time as monetary performance remains vital, it is less of a differentiating factor compared to strategic and structural benefits. The Kappa coefficient of 0.63 displays sturdy inter-rater settlement and helps the reliability of the results. It is resulting in several option:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eState of affairs A \u0026ndash; Strategic country-constructing:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSEZs are viewed predominantly as equipment for long-time period geopolitical and monetary leverage. This orientation favors national-stage planning and funding flows, which can also bypass neighborhood engagement until well incorporated.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScenario B \u0026ndash; Structural nearby Transformation:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe emphasis on economic improvement models and local acceleration may additionally replicate a dual strategy in which SEZs act as catalysts for institutional and infrastructural reform at the regional level. Priorities in Coastal Ecotourism improvement, Table 2 and the green bars in Figure 1 show a contrasting, yet complementary, angle. The maximum particularly rated attributes of coastal ecotourism are: contribution to community economies (22.14%); coastal landscapes and cultural landmarks (21.43%); and precedence of sustainable development (20.00%). Those findings indicate that the ecotourism version is strongly aligned with inclusive development and vicinity-based background values. In contrast, minimizing ecological effect (17.86%) and coastal environment utilization (18.50 %) obtained barely decrease scores, revealing ability anxiety between ecological safety and aid use. The Kappa value of 0.62 signifies consistent agreement among FGD individuals, making sure validity in representing community-oriented development themes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eState of affairs C \u0026ndash; Inclusive Tourism model:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEcotourism is seen now not just as an environmental problem however as a mechanism to assist local livelihoods and cultural resilience. This gives a effective basis for integrating monetary justice within sustainability frameworks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScenario D \u0026ndash; alternate-off dilemma:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lower problem for ecological degradation manipulates can also point to trade-offs in implementation. without robust regulatory layout, \u0026ldquo;eco\u0026rdquo;-tourism may want to result in accidental ecological damage or displacement. Alignment and disparity between sez and ecotourism agendas, comparing the two facts sets indicates both convergence and divergence in stakeholder priorities. even as SEZ development emphasizes geoeconomics and structural transformation, ecotourism prioritizes grassroots economic inclusion and cultural assets. this means a coverage gap in aligning top-down improvement with backside-up sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScenario E \u0026ndash; integrated Sustainable SEZs:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA possible pathway involves integrating ecotourism into SEZ strategies as a center financial pillar. This calls for that environmental protections and cultural belonging be embedded within SEZ masterplans, no longer handled as adjuncts.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSituation F \u0026ndash; Fragmented Governance hazard:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithout institutional coordination, SEZs may additionally pursue financial growth in isolation, while ecotourism operates within restrained community scopes. This fragmentation can give rise to overlapping conflicts in land use processes, regulatory conflicts, and social conflicts.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrecis of Insights from Figure 1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn discern 1 visually confirms the narrative comparison among macro-structural ambition (SEZ) and micro-socio-environmental needs (ecotourism). The parallel Kappa values (~0.62\u0026ndash;0.63) in addition suggest that regardless of different priorities, stakeholder views are internally coherent, supplying a sturdy base for included governance interventions. The six situations supplied, state of affairs F \u0026ndash; Fragmented Governance risk \u0026ndash; represents the primary obstacle to the development of SEZs and sustainable ecotourism. Here\u0026apos;s the rationale and purpose: This state of affairs illustrates the actual danger whilst there\u0026apos;s a lack of robust institutional coordination between the management of special financial Zones (SEZs) and the ecotourism improvement time table. SEZs cognizance on macroeconomic increase and geostrategic techniques, at the same time as ecotourism emphasizes inclusive development, environmental protection, and local cultural history. while these procedures are applied one by one without an integrative coordination framework, capacity conflicts rise up.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of those boundaries consist of: Overlapping in making plans and land use, SEZs may additionally prioritize huge infrastructure or business investments whilst neglecting the ecological functions of coastal regions that form the idea of ecotourism, such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, and cultural zones.; Regulatory and institutional conflicts, guidelines carried out to SEZs frequently prefer funding liberalization and deregulation, while ecotourism calls for strict environmental protection. This distinction in method creates coverage disharmony among crucial and nearby organizations; Social tensions between industry gamers and local groups, whilst communities are excluded from SEZ making plans and decision-making strategies, the capacity for conflict will increase, particularly if SEZ sports disrupt local livelihoods from community-based tourism; and Failure of sustainable improvement dreams, this fragmentation undermines the possibility to create SEZs that are not handiest economically competitive however also socially and ecologically sustainable. The inclusive aim of ecotourism will be misplaced if it\u0026apos;s miles sidelined by using the SEZ\u0026apos;s macroeconomic time table.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, at the same time as all scenarios provide opportunities and demanding situations, situation F poses a main obstacle as it addresses the basis of fragmented development governance, which can undermine the brotherly love between monetary increase and environmental sustainability. therefore, integrative, pass-sectoral making plans is wanted, prioritizing speak among policymakers, investors, and neighborhood communities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe state of affairs C \u0026ndash; Inclusive Tourism model \u0026ndash; and scenario E \u0026ndash; integrated Sustainable SEZs \u0026ndash; constitute the principle advantages and possibilities for coastal ecotourism (CE) development in special financial zones (SEZs). This scenario positions ecotourism as a mechanism for nearby monetary empowerment, not simply as an environmental conservation project. accordingly, CEs are able to: Create locally-based totally jobs, including for excursion guides, nearby artisans, and homestay companies; Increase neighborhood cultural identity and background, that are key visitor points of interest in coastal regions; Encourage a circular and participatory economy, wherein the blessings of the tourism sector are loved no longer best by large traders but also by neighborhood groups.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMiximizing the advantage and potential CE \u0026amp; SEZs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo maximize the advantages and potential of Coastal Ecotourism (CE) development in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of the six scenarios supplied, state of affairs C \u0026ndash; Inclusive Tourism version \u0026ndash; and scenario E \u0026ndash; integrated Sustainable SEZs \u0026ndash; represent the primary blessings and possibilities for coastal ecotourism (CE) improvement in special economic zones (SEZs).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis state of affairs positions ecotourism as a mechanism for neighborhood monetary empowerment, no longer simply as an environmental conservation mission. for this reason, CEs are capable of: Create domestically-based totally jobs, inclusive of for tour courses, neighborhood artisans, and homestay providers; Elevate neighborhood cultural identification and background, which might be key vacationer points of interest in coastal areas; and inspire a round and participatory financial system, where the blessings of the tourism region are enjoyed no longer most effective via big traders however additionally with the aid of neighborhood communities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo maximize the benefits and capability of Coastal Ecotourism (CE) development in special financial Zones (SEZs) even as addressing the important thing limitations identified in situation F (Fragmented Governance chance), here are hints for addressing the key issues (scenario F \u0026ndash; Fragmented Governance hazard)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis scenario highlights systemic boundaries inside the shape of uncoordinated management between SEZs and CEs. The outcomes are: Land use conflicts among SEZ infrastructure and coastal ecosystems; Regulatory disharmony among the SEZ\u0026apos;s monetary liberalization time table and CE\u0026apos;s environmental safety; Social tensions due to minimal neighborhood community involvement; and Failure of SDG goals due to financial development no longer being aligned with social and ecological sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several obstacle control techniques to maximise CE advantages (eventualities C \u0026amp; E):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea. Cross-sectoral institutional integration (to cope with fragmentation), the status quo of an SEZ\u0026ndash;CE coordinating frame involving the Ministry of funding, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of surroundings and Forestry, in addition to nearby governments and neighborhood groups by synchronizing the SEZ master plan with the coastal conservation zoning and the nearby spatial plans.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb. Reconstruct the SEZ version into included Sustainable SEZs (scenario E), reformulate the SEZ grasp plan to make ecotourism a key pillar of the nearby economic system. It requires each coastal SEZ development to include a strategic environmental effect assessment (KLHS) factor and a community-primarily based tourism improvement program.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ec. Support nearby participation through an inclusive method (situation C), offer deliberative area (FGDs, development planning conference) for coastal groups in SEZ making plans. It establishes nearby investment quotas and mentor ecotourism MSMEs via education, certification, and tax incentives.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ed. Align policies and incentives, harmonize SEZ incentive policies (e.g., tax exemptions) with environmental sustainability necessities, and expand a inexperienced financing scheme for SEZ buyers that correctly integrates CE into their business activities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ee. Community-based tracking and evaluation, broaden shared overall performance signs (KPIs) that cover monetary, social, and environmental elements. It establishes a multi-stakeholder oversight committee (governance board) that consists of representatives from nearby groups, academia, and the personal quarter.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrategic conclusion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo escape the fragmented governance lure, an integrative and participatory technique is fundamental. the primary obstacles in scenario F have to be addressed by combining the macro-structural imaginative and prescient of the SEZ (from eventualities A \u0026amp; B) with the inclusive and network-based goals of the CE (from scenarios C \u0026amp; E).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003econsequently, the SEZ will now not simply become a device for countrywide monetary boom but also a platform for strengthening neighborhood welfare and sustainable coastal conservation have to be addressed by combining the macro-structural imaginative and prescient of the SEZ (from eventualities A \u0026amp; B) with the inclusive and network-based goals of the CE (from scenarios C \u0026amp; E).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImplications of the opportunity:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis situation can lay the foundation for extra inclusive and socially just SEZ improvement. that is critical because SEZs tend to recognition on large-scale funding and improvement. through adopting an inclusive tourism model, SEZs can stability macroeconomic orientation with microeconomic empowerment of surrounding groups.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecond, scenario E \u0026ndash; integrated Sustainable SEZs, blessings: Synergy among monetary increase and environmental conservation. This situation opens up the possibility to make ecotourism a key financial pillar within the SEZ master plan. this means: Coastal environments and cultural belongings are covered and promoted as development capital; Sustainability concepts are incorporated into infrastructure, funding, and region control; and Establishing get admission to to green financing, as sustainable SEZ initiatives are more attractive to donors and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) buyers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the aid of adopting this technique, Indonesia can increase SEZs that are not most effective globally aggressive economically however additionally serve as fashions for inexperienced boom in Southeast Asia.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDIALOGUE OF FINDINGS AND EVENTUALITIES\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study identified several case studies in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) within the context of SEZ development planning:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFirstly: Economic boom through unique financial Zones (SEZs)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tabulated outcomes in Table 1 suggest that the dominant advantages of SEZs are their contribution to economic increase (12.56%) and multiplied equity (14.07%). This aligns with Porter\u0026apos;s (1990) local development theory, which emphasizes the significance of local aggressive gain. A Kappa value of 0.63 shows great agreement among respondents, indicating surprisingly steady perceptions of the strategic function of SEZs in riding boom.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSEZs in Indonesia are frequently designed to stimulate investment with financial and non-economic incentives, however theoretical discourse highlights that those incentives are best effective when supported via infrastructure readiness and inclusive governance. Therefore, this situation calls for the lively involvement of nearby stakeholders to save you exclusionary boom.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSecondly: Special monetary Zones (SEZs) as a regional development model that Promotes Competitiveness and equity\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variables \u0026quot;Local improvement model for monetary boom\u0026quot; (15.58%) and \u0026quot;Accelerating nearby development\u0026quot; (14.57 %) indicate that SEZs are not simplest viewed as centres of financial increase but also as gear for equitable development. This reflects an area-primarily based improvement technique, in which improvement rules recognition on the particular characteristics of specific areas (Barca et al., 2012).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe significance of this approach becomes even extra obvious inside the context of developing nations like Indonesia, in which nearby disparities remain high. therefore, SEZs may be a transformational solution if designed with social and environmental sensitivity, consisting of compensation mechanisms for the influences of nearby population relocation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThirdly: Coastal Ecotourism as a Sustainable alternative\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn keeping with Table 2, the maximum dominant factors of coastal ecotourism are its contribution to the nearby economy (22.14%) and the protection of coastal landscapes and tradition (21.43%). This reinforces the literature on network-based tourism and sustainability, which emphasizes nearby participation as primary to ecotourism fulfilment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Kappa value of 0.62 shows regular stakeholder perceptions of ecotourism potential. but the principal mission is preserving a stability among tourism commercialization and environmental conservation. on this scenario, zoning-primarily based management and sustainability certification (consisting of green Globe) are vital to prevent surroundings degradation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFourthly: Integration of unique economic Zones (SEZs) and Coastal Ecotourism in local making plans\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis state of affairs highlights the potential synergy between SEZs and coastal ecotourism, mainly in geographically positive areas consisting of the south coast of Java or the east coast of Kalimantan. With an integrative technique, SEZs can accommodate green industrial zones and nature tourism zones related to marine conservation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, this integration requires solid multi-level governance, given the differing hobbies of central, nearby, and network actors. The function of local governments as mediators is crucial, specifically in translating the country wide imaginative and prescient into concrete, locally-based totally programs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDEEP DIALOGUE\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several options for strengthening and integrating SEZ development in SEZ areas:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOption 1: Strengthening unique economic Zones for Coastal economic boom and Ecotourism\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 1 indicates that the most prominent role of special financial Zones is in the dimensions of \u0026quot;Geoeconomic and Geostrategic advantages\u0026quot; (16.58 %) and \u0026quot;nearby improvement version for monetary boom\u0026quot; (15.58%). This indicates that special financial Zones have been directed not most effective to power countrywide monetary increase (12.56 %) and improve equity (14.07%), however additionally to combine strategic areas into the global economic system.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the coastal context, Table 2 suggests that ecotourism contributes notably to the community economic system (22.14%) and the upkeep of coastal landscapes and cultural background (21.43%). This suggests an opportunity for synergy among unique monetary Zones and Coastal Ecotourism (CE) in creating a sustainable, place-based development model.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn this scheme, unique financial Zones can act as catalysts for infrastructure development, improved accessibility, and investment in coastal areas, thereby strengthening ecotourism sports. the combination of financial development and local cultural upkeep is a key electricity in building inclusive and competitive coastal areas.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOption 2: complete Integration of special economic Zones (SEZs) with Sustainable Coastal Ecotourism\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis scheme makes a speciality of a holistic technique wherein SEZ development is designed from the outset to assist the standards of sustainable coastal ecotourism. based on Table 2, the dimensions \u0026quot;Precedence of Sustainable development\u0026quot; (20%) and \u0026quot;Minimizing unfavorable influences on coastal ecosystems\u0026quot; (17.86%) spotlight the importance of retaining environmental sustainability in all financial sports.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirect involvement of SEZs in sustainable coastal conservation and management programs\u0026mdash;as an instance, through strict zoning, emission controls, habitat safety, and partnerships with indigenous and neighborhood groups\u0026mdash;can create sturdy coverage synergies. In different words, SEZs aren\u0026apos;t simplest spaces for economic boom however additionally laboratories for sustainable improvement based totally on coastal ecosystems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside this framework, the high Kappa signs (k=0.63 for SEZs and okay=0.62 for CEs) indicate constant stakeholder perceptions of the importance of integrating financial and environmental improvement dimensions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOption three: Separate improvement of SEZs and Ecotourism with risks of Land conflict and policy Fragmentation\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis situation displays a state of affairs in which SEZs are evolved completely for financial purposes, whilst coastal ecotourism develops organically or independently of the country wide coverage framework. This lack of synergy can result in conflicts over area and resource use, governance fragmentation, and vulnerability to environmental degradation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the key barriers that arise on this state of affairs consist of:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePolicy dualism: SEZs are managed by using separate authorities with investment and industrialization mandates, whilst Ecotourism operates underneath the oversight of the tourism and environmental sectors, without sturdy coordination.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLand use conflicts: Coastal areas that function ecotourism habitats are regularly compromised for the improvement of SEZ commercial infrastructure.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eExclusion of local communities: a very top-down SEZ model can exclude nearby community participation in decision-making and cultural upkeep.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsequently, this state of affairs emphasizes the want for collaborative spatial making plans and governance that could harmonize financial and conservation targets.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe role of special economic Zones (SEZs) in Coastal development and Environmental Conservation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSEZs aren\u0026apos;t restricted to economic growth however additionally keep great ability for revitalizing coastal regions. through investment in green infrastructure, stepped forward get entry to easy water and sanitation, and the usage of low-carbon technology, SEZs can substantially enhance the best of existence for coastal groups.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the context of conservation, SEZs can characteristic as drivers of innovation through:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eImplementation of global environmental standards\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDevelopment of inexperienced zones and ecological corridors\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMonetary incentives for businesses that put into effect ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ideas\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoundaries to SEZ improvement and Coastal Ecotourism\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several hurdles to their development:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOverlapping rules: Many SEZs lack particular guidelines governing environmentally sound improvement, leaving them liable to exploitation of coastal sources.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eImbalance between conservation and the economic system: a focal point on quick-time period economic increase often overrides coastal ecosystem protection.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLoss of spatial facts and environmental assessment: development decision-making is frequently no longer supported by accurate coastal surroundings information.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVulnerable neighbourhood institutional ability: local governments regularly lack the technical and budgetary capability to comprehensively oversee SEZ projects.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDIALOGUE OF FINDINGS AND SITUATIONS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased totally on tabulated tables regarding unique financial zones (SEZs) and coastal ecotourism (CE), numerous vital findings emerged that form the idea of this discussion in 3 main factors: the position of SEZs in coastal location development, the relationship between SEZs and environmental conservation, and the demanding situations of developing SEZs and CEs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe role of SEZs in Coastal vicinity development\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 1 indicates that SEZs make a contribution significantly to numerous development planning strategies, with the best rating for the geoeconomic and geostrategic blessings indicator (16.58%), followed by means of the nearby development version for economic boom (15.58%), and accelerating local improvement (14.57 %):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlan A:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf SEZ improvement is directed closer to nearby development, SEZs have the potential to emerge as a catalyst for infrastructure development, enhancing the pleasant of public services, and creating jobs in coastal regions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlan B:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the special economic region (SEZ) makes a speciality of maximizing tourism sports and developing national competitiveness, coastal development might be incorporated with the tourism quarter, using provider-primarily based monetary increase, but requires attention to environmental sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe function of SEZs in Environmental Conservation (CE).\u0026nbsp;Table 2 suggests that contribution to the neighborhood financial system (22.14%) and usage of cultural and coastal landscapes (21.43%) are important aspects of CE. however, minimizing poor impacts on ecosystems is likewise outstanding (17.86%).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlan C:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the SEZ is designed with coastal ecotourism concepts, synergy can be created between environmental conservation and financial development. as an example, investment can be directed in the direction of environmentally pleasant infrastructure, concerning local groups in ecotourism management, and retaining coastal ecosystems (mangroves and coral reefs).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kappa cost for SEZs (0.63) and CE (0.62) shows a strong level of consistency of opinion concerning the essential position of those sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoundaries to SEZ and Coastal Ecotourism development\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumerous key obstacles diagnosed:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInter-agency coordination: Institutional fragmentation regularly slows the implementation of coastal-based SEZs and CE.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLand and spatial planning conflicts: SEZs that fail to deal with coastal zoning can result in conflicts between buyers and local communities or fishermen.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLack of local potential: CE improvement requires human sources who understand sustainability concepts, that are nonetheless restricted in a few areas.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOver-commercialization: SEZs that overemphasize economic increase can forget conservation and endanger coastal ecosystems.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRegulatory uncertainty: Inconsistencies between vital and regional guidelines complicate the mixing of SEZs and the environmental agenda.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOVERAGE IMPLICATIONS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Indonesian authorities maintain to broaden special financial Zones (SEZs) as a strategy to boost up economic growth thru funding and task introduction. in the meantime, coastal ecotourism (CE) is a strategic method that helps environmental conservation at the same time as strengthening the nearby economy. but, the integration of SEZs and CEs still faces structural, regulatory, and ecological demanding situations:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe authorities desire to layout coastal-based totally SEZs that combine CE standards as a part of a sustainable development approach.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe capacity of nearby groups is needed to actively participate in the SEZ and CE ecosystems.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003epolicies are needed to provide incentives for SEZ agencies that undertake environmental conservation standards.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese implications encourage the combination of SEZs and CEs into sustainable improvement in Southeast Asia (Indonesia).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Findings:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSEZs Play a sizeable function in financial boom:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFrom a frequency analysis, the biggest contributions of SEZs lie in geostrategic benefits (sixteen.58%), regional development fashions (15.58%), and local improvement (14.57%). This suggests that SEZs have the potential to pressure increase locally and nationally.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eCoastal Ecotourism Contributes to neighborhood well-Being and Conservation:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHigh Consistency and Validity:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kappa values for SEZs (0.63) and CEs (0.62) imply a strong understanding and consistency in respondents\u0026apos; perceptions and information.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThree strategic issues:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSEZs nevertheless consciousness on macroeconomic growth, but have now not been completely integrated with environmental sustainability processes, particularly in coastal regions.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCEs face confined investment, institutional potential, and overlapping guidelines with SEZ management authorities.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEnvironmental challenges and coastal environment degradation can hinder the success of each strategies without strategic integration.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoverage guidelines:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntegrating special monetary zone making plans with Coastal Ecotourism standards:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eApplicable ministries (Ministry of Tourism and creative economy, Coordinating Ministry for financial Affairs, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) need to expand a regulatory framework that ensures that each coastal special financial sector development need to undertake ecotourism and conservation standards.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eStrengthening Collaborative Governance:\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContain local communities, environmental NGOs, and the private region within the planning and control of special economic Zones (SEZs) primarily based on public-personal-network partnerships (percent).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eStrengthening Human assets and inexperienced generation ability:\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ebroaden training programs for organizations and local communities on green enterprise, surroundings conservation, and coastal risk control.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncentive and Disincentive projects:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eProvide fiscal incentives for green funding in SEZs and impose disincentives on monetary activities that harm coastal regions.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAtmosphere-based totally Mapping and Zoning:\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eConduct a strategic environmental evaluation earlier than determining the vicinity of a coastal SEZ to make certain that crucial ecosystems are maintained.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eSEZs and CEs should not be stand-on my own tactics. Synergy between the two can reinforce sustainable improvement, especially in vulnerable coastal regions with high monetary and ecological ability. imperative and nearby governments are predicted to take an active role in knowing this integration as a part of the country wide sustainable improvement time table.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe improvement of unique financial Zones (SEZs) in emerging economies may be advanced through adopting satisfactory practices located in a success implementation, along with the ones in East Asian growth areas (Aggarwal, 2022) in particular, focused techniques that focus on geoeconomic incentives \u0026mdash; such as tax discounts, regulatory simplification, and infrastructural funding \u0026mdash; have demonstrated powerful. As shown in this look at, the SEZs\u0026rsquo; contribution to local competitiveness and geostrategic positioning performs a vital function in driving monetary development.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the context of coastal zones, integrating ecotourism within SEZ frameworks offers a strategic pathway for sustainable growth. The effects suggest sturdy help for ecotourism\u0026rsquo;s ability in enhancing network livelihoods (22.14%) and preserving environmental and cultural property (21.43 %). for that reason, three center techniques have to be emphasized:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMaximizing geoeconomic and geostrategic advantages to draw funding and drive tourism innovation.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEnhancing coastal environmental conservation, by using mitigating tourism\u0026rsquo;s terrible affects, selling landscape healing, and empowering neighbourhood communities.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to sell tourism while retaining the balance among financial increase and environmental sustainability.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegardless of those opportunities, the development of SEZs and coastal ecotourism faces remarkable constraints, including regulatory inconsistencies, confined potential for environmental governance, and weak network participation. future regulations ought to deal with those boundaries by fostering institutional coordination and adaptive governance mechanisms.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis research makes numerous crucial contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis examine contributes to the developing body of literature on sustainable tourism and special monetary zones (SEZs) by presenting novel insights into the coastal ecotourism development inside Indonesia\u0026rsquo;s SEZs\u0026mdash;an area that remains underexplored, particularly inside the context of developing Southeast Asian international locations. the key novelties of this study are as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eContextual focus on coastal ecotourism within SEZs in a Southeast |Asia. putting: even as SEZs have been widely studied in terms of economic effect, few research has specifically examined their intersection with coastal ecotourism and environmental sustainability in Indonesia or similar emerging economies. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eParticipatory and mixed-techniques method: using a blended-methods design, related to 300 stakeholders via cantered institution discussions, presents an inclusive and empirical foundation for knowledge the governance and network dynamics in SEZ-driven coastal tourism. This approach complements the robustness and depth of the findings.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRevealing the imbalance among infrastructure development and environmental conservation: the have a look at identifies a considerable hole among rapid infrastructure increase in SEZs and the forget of environmental safeguards, presenting a vital lens on the assumption that SEZs inherently support sustainable improvement.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHighlighting institutional and social participation barriers: via uncovering weak institutional capacities and low network involvement as principal boundaries to sustainable ecotourism, the have a look at advances the discourse on governance demanding situations in SEZ implementation.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePolicy-oriented insights: the look at emphasizes the need for evidence-based, participatory policymaking to make sure a more balanced and inclusive model of SEZ improvement that aligns financial goals with environmental stewardship.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKindly inform you that this study participant agrees to participate as a volunteer, provided that their identity is kept anonymous and in accordance to the Helsinki Convention.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven that this paper involves research with human participants, Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee at the Prasetiya Mandiri (Kent) Polytechnics, with which one of the authors is affiliated.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclosure statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo funding was received.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eORCID\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSH Hengky: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6614-8441 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgment\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to thank the SHINE Institute for their voluntary assistance in distributing and collecting questionnaires from respondents, as well as during the focus group discussions. In addition, the authors would also like to thank the respondents and the authors for keeping their identities confidential and making them anonymous and all personal or identifying data collected are not published.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAbraham, K. T. (2024). Responsible leadership and triple bottom line performance: imperatives for corporate sustainability. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Global Responsibility\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e15\u003c/em\u003e(4), 485\u0026ndash;500. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGR-06-2023-0111\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAggarwal, A. (2022). Special Economic Zones for Shared Prosperity: Brunei Darussalam\u0026ndash;Indonesia\u0026ndash;Malaysia\u0026ndash;Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. \u003cem\u003eAsian Development Bank\u003c/em\u003e. https://doi.org/10.22617/TCS220424-2\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eArmin C. Stross, \u0026amp; Radschinski. 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Global experiences of special economic zones with focus on China and Africa: Policy insights. \u003cem\u003eJournal of International Commerce, Economics and Policy\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e7\u003c/em\u003e(3). https://doi.org/10.1142/S1793993316500186\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"special economic region, coastal ecotourism, environmental conservation, community engagement, sustainable improvement","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7267309/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7267309/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study gives a singular assessment of coastal ecotourism within Indonesia\u0026rsquo;s SEZs, as a model for developing Southeast Asia. It highlighting a crucial imbalance among infrastructure improvement and environmental conservation. by using a participatory mixed-strategies technique involving a number stakeholders, it exhibits key governance and network participation gaps, and advocates for proof-primarily based, inclusive coverage interventions. using a mixed-methods technique, records were collected thru cognizance organization discussions involving 300 stakeholders. predominant findings display that SEZs play a strategic position in coastal monetary boom, but there is an imbalance between infrastructure growth and environmental conservation. Low community engagement and weak institutional ability had been recognized as great limitations to reaching sustainable ecotourism. The take a look at highlights the want for stronger local participation and evidence-primarily based coverage in SEZ making plans to aid a balanced technique to monetary development and environmental stewardship.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Coastal Ecotourism in Southeast Asia: A unique economic sector angle","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-12 05:55:28","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7267309/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"71c7099e-d8d6-4b74-a50a-5c7178a70044","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 12th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":53015252,"name":"Hospitality and Tourism"},{"id":53015253,"name":"Environmental Policy"},{"id":53015254,"name":"Environmental Economics"},{"id":53015255,"name":"Biophysics"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-08-12T05:55:28+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-12 05:55:28","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7267309","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7267309","identity":"rs-7267309","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}