Increasing the Role of Local Communities in Protecting Turtles on Liukang Loe Tourist Island: Maritime Diplomacy Policy of the Local Government

This research examines the role of local communities in tourism development and their involvement in economic cooperation on Liukang Loe Island, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi. One example of the local community’s contribution is the management of a turtle hatchery as a tourist destination, which is entirely managed by the local community. Shows that support and active participation from local communities are crucial for enhancing the economy and ensuring tourism sustainability. Furthermore, this research highlights the international cooperation between Bulukumba Regency and Canada in spice production, demonstrating local community involvement in supporting economic development. This study uses a qualitative approach through interviews with several local community stakeholders. The findings show that local community involvement positively impacts community income and strengthens the region’s strategic role in the global economic cooperation network. These findings confirm that local community participation is essential in creating sustainable tourism and supporting regional economic development and international cooperation. On Liukang Loe Island, engagement in maritime diplomacy is still limited because the tourism development and the turtle hatchery still need to be connected to global networks. Indonesia’s maritime, as outlined in the Djuanda Declaration, emphasizes the importance of integrating maritime economic development and marine.