Strengthening Community Participation in Developing Community-Based Tourism in Batu, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
Keywords:
Community-Based Tourism, Community Participation, Empowerment, Batu Malang, Qualitative ResearchAbstract
Purpose – This study aims to explore and strengthen community participation in the development of community-based tourism (CBT) in Batu, Malang. As tourism increasingly becomes a driver of local economic growth, the active involvement of the community is critical to ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. This study addresses the gap in participatory practices in CBT initiatives in the Batu area and proposes strategies to enhance local engagement.
Design/methods/approach – The research applied a qualitative approach using descriptive analysis. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations involving community leaders, tourism actors, local government officials, and tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis). Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 Plus to identify patterns related to participation, leadership, organizational capacity, and community empowerment.
Findings – The study found that although community awareness of tourism potential in Batu is relatively high, participation in decision-making and tourism governance remains limited. Key barriers include the lack of structured community organizations, weak leadership, and minimal coordination with stakeholders. Strengthening community participation requires integrated strategies including leadership development, participatory planning, and formal support for local tourism organizations.
Research implications/limitations – The study is limited to qualitative data from three tourism villages in Batu and does not capture broader regional dynamics. Future studies could expand geographically and incorporate quantitative analysis to enhance generalizability.
Originality/value – This study contributes a practical model for enhancing community participation in CBT based on the socio-cultural context of Batu. It highlights actionable insights for local governments, NGOs, and universities engaged in tourism-based community empowerment.
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