A new study from the Graduate School, Universitas Padjadjaran, explores the concept of social carrying capacity in Karimunjawa National Park, one of Indonesia’s leading marine tourism destinations. Using visitor surveys and perception analysis, the research estimates the maximum number of tourists that can be accommodated without reducing visitor satisfaction or harming the natural and social environment. Findings show that while Karimunjawa continues to attract significant interest, overcrowding risks degrading both the visitor experience and the fragile marine ecosystem, underlining the need for well-designed visitor management strategies.

This research offers crucial guidance for balancing tourism growth with sustainability, directly supporting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It advances SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting tourism that sustains local livelihoods, while safeguarding ecosystems contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Furthermore, by emphasizing visitor perspectives in planning, the study supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), encouraging more inclusive, resilient, and well-managed tourism destinations across Indonesia.