COASTAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT: SUITABILITY AND CARRYING CAPACITY INDICES OF PANGANDARAN EAST COAST, WEST JAVA

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the tourism suitability index and carrying capacity of the Pangandaran East Coast area, West Java, as a tourist destination based on beach recreation and marine activities. This research was conducted in April 2025. The research method involved primary data collection through field surveys of environmental parameters such as beach conditions, water quality, and supporting facilities, as well as secondary data from relevant agencies. The analysis was conducted using a quantitative descriptive approach with the tourism suitability index formula and the carrying capacity of the area. The results showed that Pangandaran East Beach has a tourism suitability index for beach tourism, camping and swimming activities in a row of 97.3%; 91.7%; 85.9% which is classified in the “very suitable” category. The carrying capacity of the area for beach recreation activities was calculated at 253 people/day, then for swimming activities at 189 people/day and camping at 710 people/day which reflects the maximum capacity of visitors that can be received without disturbing the beach ecosystem or reducing the quality of the tourist experience. This approach provides important recommendations for tourism managers to optimize the management of visitor numbers and improve supporting facilities to maintain the sustainability of the area. With calm beach characteristics and good accessibility, Pangandaran East Beach has great potential as a leading destination in West Java for marine recreation. This research is expected to be a reference for the development of sustainable tourism policies in coastal areas.