Tourism is one of a region’s most prominent development vehicles. However, quality tourism is only achieved when supported by multi-sectors. This study aims to create a model of sustainable tourism management using a system dynamics approach. The model is based on the tourism development case in Labuan Bajo, a newly growing destination in Indonesia and a UNESCO Komodo biosphere reserve area. The research results in a model of sustainable tourism relevant to similar destinations with characteristics of high biodiversity but vulnerable to social inequality. This research finds it is critical to balance tourism growth and impact through the environment, economy, and social aspects and how destination management shall ensure multi-sector participation to create a conducive tourism ecosystem in the long run.

Labuan Bajo is an emerging coastal tourism destination in Indonesia, which is also part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Komodo Biosphere Reserve located in the East Nusa Tenggara region. Recent tourism developments have transformed Labuan Bajo from a rural area into an urban area, and significant land use changes have followed. This new urban area development will attract tourists as well as population migration. The ongoing issue is to develop the urban infrastructure and facilities of Labuan Bajo in an integrated and sustainable way, considering the carrying capacity following the high demand for tourism and migration. This study investigates the transition pattern from rural to urban areas on coastal tourism. It calculates existing carrying capacity based on the availability of attractions in Labuan Bajo tourism as a coastal destination, including the Komodo National Park area. The study results in Labuan Bajo's carrying capacity have yet to exceed its limit calculated based on the number of existing visitors and as projected in the tourism master plan. However, Labuan Bajo has already shown the urban typology characteristics required to transform the sub-district into a small city. Tourist visits must be distributed outside the Komodo National Park area and to other destinations in the East Nusa Tenggara archipelago to balance the growth and impact of tourism and its supply chain. Environmental, economic, and sociocultural carrying capacity shall be considered in destination management to guarantee measurable sustainable tourism practices in the long run.

Building construction will increase along with the increase in population in urban areas. For maintaining the carrying capacity of the environment to remain in balance, it is necessary to have a control instrument in the development of urban areas, one of which is through a Building Permit (IMB). To increase the effectiveness of the policy for implementing the IMB, it is essential to know the public’s perception of the IMB and experts regarding their views. Through interviews, questionnaires, spatial analysis, and AHP, this research is expected to be a material consideration for stakeholders in deciding policies for implementing IMB in South Jakarta. Spatial analysis was used to compare land cover, questionnaires were used to see people’s perceptions of building permits as an instrument for controlling and protecting urban areas, and AHP was used to validate the expert team’s opinion regarding IMB. The increase in green land in South Jakarta, the perception of public awareness in South Jakarta regarding the obligation to build a IMB and its impact on the environment is still high, and the accountability factor of the implementing licensing organization is one of the factors that can increase the effectiveness of the application of a building permit (IMB) in South Jakarta.

Background: The development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) represents a transformative initiative aimed at relocating the capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan to mitigate environmental degradation and promote equitable regional growth. This study investigates the ecological and social implications of IKN development by reviewing relevant literature and emphasizing the role of local communities and pentahelix collaboration in fostering sustainable outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA and SALSA methodologies to screen 215 articles, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. Findings: The review revealed significant challenges—including ecological disruption, social inequality, and the marginalization of indigenous rights—while identifying pentahelix collaboration as a critical mechanism for integrating efforts from government, academia, the private sector, media, and community stakeholders. Conclusion: The study concludes that enhancing pentahelix collaboration and empowering local communities are essential for mitigating adverse impacts and achieving sustainable, inclusive development in the IKN context. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research introduces a novel framework that links political ecology with social justice and ecological sustainability, offering innovative insights for policy interventions that prioritize long-term equity and environmental stewardship.