SYNERGY BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN PROMOTING TOURISM IN KAMPUNG MANDAR, BANYUWANGI

Abstract

Kampung Mandar in Banyuwangi Regency possesses considerable tourism potential derived from its coastal community culture, local traditions, and marine-based economic activities, all of which can be developed as regional tourist attractions. The success of tourism promotion depends not only on the role of the government but also on the active participation of local communities as the owners and primary custodians of local culture. This study aims to analyze the forms of collaboration between the Banyuwangi Regency Government and the Mandar community in promoting regional tourism, to identify the roles of each stakeholder, and to examine the factors that support and hinder the implementation of this collaboration. The study employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and a literature review. The data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the collaboration between the Banyuwangi Regency Government and the Mandar community is realized through the development of culture-based tourism destinations, the organization of festivals and local traditions, the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and digital tourism promotion that involves community participation. Local wisdom values such as mutual cooperation (gotong royong), solidarity, and collective action serve as social capital that strengthens the success of tourism promotion. Nevertheless, several challenges remain, including limited human resource capacity, low utilization of digital technology, and suboptimal coordination among stakeholders. Sustained and strengthened collaboration is therefore necessary to enhance the competitiveness of Kampung Mandar as a sustainable cultural and coastal tourism destination.