Integrating Ocean Sustainability into Tourism Education: A Curriculum Analysis of Vocational High Schools
Vina Nurwardiani Sanusi, Cica Yulia, Muktiarni

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia as an archipelagic country has great potential in developing marine tourism.
However, this potential is accompanied by challenges in the form of marine ecosystem
degradation due to environmentally unfriendly tourism practices. This condition emphasizes
the importance of integrating marine sustainability principles into the curriculum of Tourism
Vocational Schools (SMK) as vocational education that prepares a skilled and environmentally
conscious workforce. Unfortunately, most SMK curricula currently do not fully, and some do
not even directly integrate marine sustainability principles. This study aims to analyze the
extent to which marine sustainability principles are integrated into the Tourism Vocational
School curriculum and to identify gaps that need to be addressed to support the development
of the Blue Curriculum. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a multi-case
study approach. Data collection techniques include: (1) analysis of curriculum documents and
learning tools using an ocean literacy-based checklist, (2) in-depth interviews with teachers,
program heads, and students, (3) observation of the learning process and supporting facilities.
The results show that the principles of marine sustainability in the Tourism Vocational School
curriculum are still limited to general environmental issues, not specifically addressing marine
conservation and ecotourism practices. Discussion of the findings confirms the gap between
the needs of the sustainable tourism industry and the competencies of SMK graduates. The
impact of this research resulted in an ocean literacy integration map, curriculum development
recommendations, marine sustainability assessment instruments, and a policy brief for
vocational education stakeholders. Thus, Tourism Vocational Schools are expected to produce
graduates who are not only professional but also play an active role in maintaining the
sustainability of marine ecosytems

Keywords: marine sustainability, curriculum, Tourism Vocational Schools, ocean literacy, Blue Curriculum

Topic: Education for sustainable development