Sugiharto Sugiharto

REVITALIZING LOCAL CULTURE IN SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Introduction

revitalizing local culture in sustainable ecotourism development in the digital era. Discover how revitalized local culture & digital technology drive sustainable ecotourism. Study highlights cultural promotion, economic empowerment, and challenges in the digital era.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of local cultural revitalization and the use of digital technology in supporting sustainable ecotourism development. A qualitative approach with a case study design was used in this research, which was conducted in Penglipuran Village (Bali) and Nglanggeran Village (Yogyakarta) from March to May 2025. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation studies, then analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. The results indicate that revitalized local culture, such as traditional art performances, crafts, and local mythological narratives, plays a significant role in strengthening destination identity and creating educational tourism experiences. The use of digital technologies, such as social media, village websites, and audiovisual content, enables local communities to promote their culture more widely and independently. The younger generation plays a role as content creators and bridges between generations in cultural preservation. The integration of culture and digitalization has been proven to increase tourism competitiveness and encourage the empowerment of a locally-based creative economy. However, challenges such as the risk of cultural commodification and low digital literacy remain obstacles that need to be addressed collaboratively. This study emphasizes the importance of a participatory and culturally sensitive approach in ecotourism development in the digital era.

Review

This study tackles a highly relevant and timely topic, exploring the intricate relationship between local cultural revitalization, digital technology, and sustainable ecotourism development in the digital era. The authors' aim to analyze these interconnected roles is commendable, addressing a critical area for communities seeking to balance heritage preservation with economic growth. The choice of two distinct yet culturally rich case studies—Penglipuran Village in Bali and Nglanggeran Village in Yogyakarta—promises a robust comparative analysis. Furthermore, the qualitative approach, employing in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation, is well-suited to capture the nuanced social and cultural dynamics at play. The abstract effectively outlines several significant findings, indicating that revitalized local culture indeed strengthens destination identity and enriches the educational experiences for tourists. It highlights the crucial role of digital technologies, such as social media and village websites, in expanding cultural promotion and fostering community independence. Particularly insightful is the observation regarding the younger generation's function as content creators and intergenerational bridges, underscoring a dynamic approach to cultural preservation. The study's assertion that this integration boosts tourism competitiveness and empowers local creative economies offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers. A balanced perspective is maintained by acknowledging inherent challenges like cultural commodification and varying digital literacy, which are important considerations for sustainable development. While the study's conceptual framework and identified findings are promising, a significant point of clarification is needed regarding the stated research period (March to May 2025). As an abstract typically summarizes *completed* research, the presentation of "results indicate" and "has been proven" for a study yet to be conducted raises questions about the nature of these findings – whether they are preliminary, expected, or if there's a typo in the year. Clarifying this chronological discrepancy is crucial for the credibility of the presented conclusions. Assuming these are indeed the *expected* outcomes, the paper could further strengthen its contribution by delving deeper into the proposed "participatory and culturally sensitive approach," outlining specific mechanisms through which it actively mitigates the risks of commodification and enhances digital literacy among all community members. Addressing these points would undoubtedly enhance the paper's overall impact and rigor.

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