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Integrating Maritime Education and Local Empowerment in Coastal Ecotourism Development: A Case Study of the Kelabit Highlands Border Region

Maritime Park: Journal of Maritime Technology and Society · Vol. ume (2026) · pp. 383–388

DOI
10.62012/8vh5at88
ISSN
2828-6669, 2828-7010
Published
2026-10-04
Publisher
Department of Ocean Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University
Language
en
License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Abstract

This study explores the integration of maritime education into community-based ecotourism in the Kelabit Highlands, a transboundary highland area between Sarawak, Malaysia, and North Kalimantan, Indonesia. While existing research on the region focuses on cultural preservation and environmental conservation, the connection between maritime literacy, river ecosystem conservation, and local empowerment remains underexplored. Using a mixed-method approach including maritime literacy surveys, semi-structured interviews with local guides and homestay operators, and participatory observation during conservation workshops this study reveals how maritime education can strengthen local livelihoods, enhance cross-border cultural narratives, and support sustainable ecotourism. Findings show that incorporating maritime concepts into highland ecotourism activities (e.g., river conservation campaigns, downstream ecosystem storytelling) not only enriches visitor experiences but also fosters a sense of stewardship among local youth. The study proposes a new inclusive blue economy model that connects highland and coastal ecosystems, offering policy insights for transboundary sustainable tourism development.

Keywords

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Muhammad SyaifullahAffiliation unknown1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/maritimepark/oai, first harvested 2 Nov 2026, last seen 2 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc) 
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">Integrating Maritime Education and Local Empowerment in Coastal Ecotourism Development: A Case Study of the Kelabit Highlands Border Region</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Yusup, Muhammad Firdaus Bin</dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">maritime education</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">community empowerment</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">ecotourism</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Kelabit Highlands</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">blue economy</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">cross-border conservation</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">This study explores the integration of maritime education into community-based ecotourism in the Kelabit Highlands, a transboundary highland area between Sarawak, Malaysia, and North Kalimantan, Indonesia. While existing research on the region focuses on cultural preservation and environmental conservation, the connection between maritime literacy, river ecosystem conservation, and local empowerment remains underexplored. Using a mixed-method approach including maritime literacy surveys, semi-structured interviews with local guides and homestay operators, and participatory observation during conservation workshops this study reveals how maritime education can strengthen local livelihoods, enhance cross-border cultural narratives, and support sustainable ecotourism. Findings show that incorporating maritime concepts into highland ecotourism activities (e.g., river conservation campaigns, downstream ecosystem storytelling) not only enriches visitor experiences but also fosters a sense of stewardship among local youth. The study proposes a new inclusive blue economy model that connects highland and coastal ecosystems, offering policy insights for transboundary sustainable tourism development.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Department of Ocean Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2026-10-04</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion</dc:type>
	<dc:format>application/pdf</dc:format>
	<dc:identifier>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/maritimepark/article/view/46201</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.62012/8vh5at88</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">Maritime Park: Journal of Maritime Technology and Society; Volume 5, Issue 3, 2026; 383-388</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2828-6669</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2828-7010</dc:source>
	<dc:language>en</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/maritimepark/article/view/46201/15044</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2025 Maritime Park: Journal of Maritime Technology and Society</dc:rights>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</dc:rights>
</oai_dc:dc>