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Vol. 7 No. 4 (2026): June

Tourism-Induced Deforestation in Batu City: Implications for Sustainable Development

https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v7i4.3836

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the spatial pattern of tourism-related deforestation and vegetation recovery in Batu City to support sustainable tourism management.

Research Methodology: This study applies a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based spatial analysis using secondary data from Global Administrative Areas (GDAM), Google Points of Interest (POI), and Global Forest Watch. Thematic layers, including land capability, slope, land use, and tourism distribution, were analyzed using overlay and buffer techniques in Geographic Information System for ArcGIS and Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). Data validation and standardization were performed to minimize bias and ensure reliability.

Results: The findings highlight that unregulated infrastructure development for tourism accelerates deforestation and threatens the ecosystem balance. Comparative analysis with previous studies supports the conclusion that unsustainable tourism practices contribute to biodiversity decline

Conclusions: Tourism expansion in Batu City has driven deforestation and uneven vegetation change, and current restoration efforts remain insufficient. Sustainable spatial planning, stronger reforestation, and ecotourism promotion are required to balance tourism growth and environmental conservation.

Limitations: This study relied on secondary remote sensing data and did not incorporate field-based ecological verification or socio-economic data on tourism operators and communities. The analysis also does not distinguish between deforestation drivers beyond tourism-related land conversion.

Contributions: This research provides localized spatial evidence of tourism-driven deforestation in Batu City, addressing the gap in empirical studies on the ecological footprint of tourism in Indonesia. The findings offer practical guidance for policymakers to integrate forest conservation into sustainable tourism planning.

Keywords

Batu City Deforestation Ecotourism Forest Management Sustainability Tourism Tree Cover

How to Cite

Ulya, A. F., Sani, F. E. A., Risfandini, A., & Hamat, D. A. (2026). Tourism-Induced Deforestation in Batu City: Implications for Sustainable Development. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 7(4), 375–389. https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v7i4.3836

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Authors

1 . Ayu Fitriatul Ulya
Universitas Merdeka Malang, Malang, Indonesia
2 . Fitria Earlike Anwar Sani
Universitas Merdeka Malang, Malang, Indonesia
3 . Andini Risfandini
Universitas Merdeka Malang, Malang, Indonesia
4 . Daria Alviota Hamat
Universitas Merdeka Malang, Malang, Indonesia

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Vol. 7 No. 4 (2026): June
Section: Articles
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