The global discourse on sustainable development increasingly emphasizes integrating local community-driven initiatives to achieve long-term economic and environmental resilience. Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is recognized as a transformative approach that optimally balances socio-economic benefits while minimizing adverse environmental impacts (Moscardo, 2008; Ruiz-Ballesteros & Hernndez-Ramrez, 2010). This model enables local communities to leverage their unique cultural and natural assets for tourism, strengthening their capacity to manage resources effectively and sustainably (Stronza, 2008). However, CBT also faces notable challenges, such as weak marketing, limited profitability, and uneven distribution of benefits, which may undermine its effectiveness (Beaumont & Dredge, 2010; Blackstock, 2005; Goodwin & Santilli, 2009).
The case of Sekapuk village in Gresik Regency, Indonesia, illustrates how CBT, combined with innovative mechanisms like crowdfunding, can address these challenges while fostering economic self-reliance. Sekapuk's transformation from a disadvantaged area into a thriving tourist destination exemplifies how community-driven tourism can revitalize local economies and protect environmental resources. The village's initiatives, including the reclamation of former mining sites for tourism, highlight the potential of CBT to promote sustainability and economic empowerment simultaneously.
Challenges of Local Governance in Community-Based Tourism
Despite the successes of CBT in Sekapuk, the village has recently faced governance challenges that threaten its progress. These challenges emerged following the conclusion of the term of its former village head, Abdul Halim, whose leadership was pivotal in transforming the village's tourism sector. Accusations of mismanagement and alleged embezzlement of village assets have sparked tensions within the community, leading to legal actions and public disputes.
The governance vacuum caused by the delayed election of a new definitive village head has exacerbated these issues, highlighting the importance of stable leadership in sustaining community-driven tourism initiatives. According to Ross (2012), effective governance and the optimization of local resources are essential for achieving sustainable development in rural areas. The absence of a clear leadership figure in Sekapuk underscores how governance instability can hinder social transformation and disrupt the operational continuity of CBT projects.
Governance Disputes: Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The current challenges in Sekapuk began with allegations against Abdul Halim for mismanagement during his tenure. Accusations included the embezzlement of village assets, such as nine land certificates and three vehicle registration documents (BPKB), as well as irregularities in the financial management of the village-owned enterprise (BUMDes). Residents alleged that these assets were pledged as collateral for loans taken to fund BUMDes operations, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the village's financial management.
The community's dissatisfaction culminated in a formal complaint and subsequent legal proceedings. Audit findings from the regional inspectorate revealed discrepancies, including a lack of supporting financial documentation for expenditures amounting to IDR 12 billion. This included allegations of inflated construction costs, such as an IDR 500 million culinary facility project that experts estimated to cost only IDR 300 million. These revelations have intensified community demands for accountability and justice, creating a challenging environment for the continuity of CBT initiatives.
The Role of Community in Addressing Governance Issues
Community involvement remains central to addressing the governance challenges faced by Sekapuk. Residents have actively participated in forums and discussions facilitated by the Department of Community and Village Empowerment (PMD), seeking solutions to the issues of mismanagement and asset recovery. This participatory approach aligns with the principles of CBT, which emphasize local ownership and collective decision-making.
Despite the controversies, Sekapuk residents have demonstrated resilience and determination to protect their tourism achievements. Community stakeholders have called for transparency and equitable resolution of financial obligations, ensuring that the burden of debt repayment does not fall disproportionately on the village or its residents. This reflects the importance of strong community participation in maintaining the integrity and sustainability of CBT projects.
