Empowerment and Development of Indigenous Orang Asli Communities Through Ecotourism

The Belum Valley has become a region rich in unique ecosystems and a wide variety of flora and fauna species. In addition, this area is also enriched by a small group of Jahai indigenous peoples who are still vibrant with traditional culture. The Belum Valley has the potential to be a focal point for industrial tourism that is a natural and cultural ecosystem of the local community. Thus, ecotourism activities also involve local communities and communities who have significant control over tourism activities and their direct involvement in the development and management of which many benefits remain in the community. Ecotourism in the Belum Valley also minimizes the negative impact on the natural and socio-cultural environment of the Orang Asli, while also working to support the protection of the natural environment by generating economic benefits through alternative income and employment opportunities for the local community. This study aims to study the impact of indigenous tourism based on Indigenous peoples in the Belum Valley and their environment to shed light on the complex relationship between the Indigenous tourism sector, traditional culture and ecological protection. This study used a qualitative data collection approach, including semi-structured interview sessions with stakeholders and members of the indigenous community. The study found several important effects of ecotourism activities in the Belum Valley area such as ecotourism activities enriched through environmental education, indigenous ecotourism as a way of life, ecotourism preserving the indigenous peoples'heritage. The ecology in the Belum Valley is also a benefit to ecotourism as an attraction and to ecotourism as its own activities for the local socioeconomic group. The growth of ecotourism in the Belum Valley has benefited indigenous peoples' livelihoods as well as public awareness-raising initiatives aimed at conserving the ecology and the surroundings.