SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY “THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM POTENTIALS OF THE THOUSAND ISLANDS AS A NATIONAL TOURISM STRATEGIC AREA”

A program of study and treatment of difficulties for sustainable tourism development was established in response to the Thousand Islands’ enormous potential, particularly Kelapa Island as a national tourism strategic region. Bunda Mulia University and Alumni of the Faculty of Languages and Letters of the Indonesian Christian University (IKFASAS UKI) community to students on Kelapa Island and the neighboring community. This program intends to investigate Kelapa Island’s distinctive prospects as a desirable tourism destination and solve numerous issues like the ecology, infrastructure, and sustainability. This initiative makes strategic moves to maximize tourist potential in a responsible manner by incorporating local governments, academic institutions, local communities, and the commercial sector. This service was provided on July 22–23, 2023, namely at the Nyiur Melambai RPTRA on Kelapa Island. Using a collaborative, cross-sector collaboration approach, education is used to deliver this service. It is envisaged that through cross-sector cooperation, instruction, and community involvement, Kelapa Island can develop into a distinctive and sustainable tourism destination that benefits the local community and the environment.