KAJIAN POTENSI DAN TINGKAT KELAYAKAN WISATA GUA TENGKORAK BERDASARKAN ADO-ODTWA DI KABUPATEN PASER, KALIMANTAN TIMUR

Abstract

Gua Tengkorak is a unique natural tourist attraction located in Kasungai Village, Paser Regency, East Kalimantan. This study aims to identify and analyze the tourism potential that can be developed in Gua Tengkorak as a leading tourist destination in Paser Regency. The research used a quantitative descriptive approach, with data collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. The tourism potential was assessed using the 2003 Natural Tourism Object and Attraction Operational Area Analysis (ADO-ODTWA) guidelines from the Directorate General of PHKA. The results show that Gua Tengkorak has interesting natural tourism potential, including unique stalactite and stalagmite formations and historical value due to the presence of human skulls in the cave. Based on the analysis of attraction, accessibility, accommodation, and facilities factors, a total average score of 496.25 was obtained, indicating that Gua Tengkorak has “fairly potential” category for development. The attraction and accessibility aspects scored very high, but accommodation and supporting facilities scored low. The main challenges in developing Gua Tengkorak tourism are the limited supporting facilities, the absence of accommodation in Kasungai Village, and road access that needs improvement. Therefore, efforts from the local government, community, and private sector are needed to enhance promotion, infrastructure, and facilities in order to make Gua Tengkorak a sustainable and competitive tourist destination.