Clustering Community Based On Community Support For Conservation In Batur Hamlet, Kepuharjo Village, Cangkringan Sub-District, Sleman Regency, D.I. Yogyakarta Herdianto Dwi Nugroho (a*) Prasetyo Nugroho (b)
(a) Faculty of Vocational School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, D.I Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
(b) Faculty of Vocational School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, D.I Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
Abstract
Gunung Merapi National Park (GMNP) plays a crucial role in protecting flora and fauna habitats, water sources, as well as developing nature and cultural tourism. There are 32 adjacent villages to GMNP, and the communities in these villages have a long-standing dependence on the natural resources of Mount Merapi. In the context of national park management, the participation of local communities is a key factor in achieving sustainable conservation goals. Therefore, understanding the attitudes and support of the communities towards conservation activities is important for maintaining sustainable conservation efforts. This study aims to analyze and classify community groups based on their support for conservation activities in Batur Hamlet, using the framework of Social Exchange Theory (SET). The K-means cluster analysis method is used for data analysis and respondent grouping. The analysis results from 257 respondents identifying can be grouped into two clusters: a cluster of high support (Cluster 1) and a cluster of low support (Cluster 2). Cluster 1 is characterized by high levels of community involvement, community attachment, perceived benefits, support for conservation, with minimal perceived costs. Cluster 2 is characterized by low levels of community involvement, community attachment, perceived benefits, support for conservation, with high perceived costs. These findings demonstrate that the community has varying levels of support for conservation efforts. Therefore, the Village Government and Mount Merapi National Park should collaborate to design policies aimed at enhancing community support for conservation activities, particularly targeting the low-support group. This could include implementing regulations that promote active participation from the community.
Keywords: Batur Hamlet- Social Exchange Theory (SET)- Cluster analysis- Gunung Merapi National Park
Topic: Topik B: Community partnership for biodiversity conservation
