Community empowerment for sustainable tourism development: evidence from Tandengan tourism village, Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines how community empowerment supports sustainable tourism development in Tandengan Tourism Village, Indonesia. A qualitative case study employed purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis, with data analyzed using the Miles–Huberman–Saldaña interactive model and triangulation. Results reveal four interconnected dimensions of empowerment: political, psychological, economic, and social. Community participation through Pokdarwis strengthened local involvement in tourism governance, while capacity-building enhanced confidence and tourism competencies. Tourism-based entrepreneurship expanded MSMEs, diversified household livelihoods, and added value to agricultural products, while collective tourism activities reinforced social cohesion and environmental stewardship. However, unequal participation, limited digital marketing, service standardization, and financing remain constraints. The study concludes that integrated community empowerment strengthens community-based tourism sustainability, provided that institutional capacity, inclusive participation, entrepreneurship support, and continuous stakeholder collaboration are systematically reinforced through locally grounded governance mechanisms.