STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY-BASED ECOTOURISM THROUGH WOODEN DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE IN MARRENONG HAMLET, KANEKES VILLAGE (BADUY LUAR)

Abstract

Marrenong Hamlet in Kanekes Village (Outer Baduy) holds strong ecotourism potential through its cultural richness, local wisdom, and natural beauty. However, accessibility remains a major challenge, particularly the absence of adequate directional signage leading to the area. This condition often causes confusion among tourists in understanding directions, travel distance, and time estimation, which in turn affects their comfort and overall satisfaction. This community service program aimed to provide education for local customary leaders regarding the importance of directional signage for visitors, as well as to reach a collective agreement on its planned installation. The methods included initial assessments with local guides, educational sessions for customary leaders, and focused group discussions involving traditional authorities.  The results indicate a mutual agreement to install ten wooden signposts at strategic points along the route to Marrenong Hamlet. The choice of natural wood material reflects the principles of simplicity, environmental preservation, and cultural harmony upheld by the Outer Baduy community. Beyond their function as navigation tools for tourists, the signposts also strengthen customary spatial order, facilitate local community access, and create opportunities for economic empowerment through the involvement of local wood artisans.  This program demonstrates that community-based ecotourism management can succeed when customary leaders and the local community are fully involved in every stage of planning. Therefore, directional signage becomes not only a tool for tourist navigation but also a medium that bridges visitor needs with local cultural values, while serving as a best practice for the development of sustainable ecotourism in indigenous communities.