On the edge of crisis: contending perspectives on development, tourism, and community participation on Rote Island, Indonesia

This qualitative pilot study explores key community stakeholders perspectives on development, tourism, and community sustainability in Delha, Rote. It has revealed confl icting perspectives about future development and tourism on Rote, with particular concern regarding social, cultural, and environmental impacts, and loss of autonomy and community control. Important dynamics of exclusion between stakeholders are identifi ed. More equitable participation in planning and decision-making is needed to ensure that the benefi ts of tourism and development are not concentrated with a privileged few.