THE ROLE OF KELOMPOK SADAR WISATA IN DEVELOPING THE CREATIVE ECONOMY OF LATIMOJONG VILLAGE, ENREKANG: PERAN KELOMPOK SADAR WISATA DALAM PENGEMBANGAN EKONOMI KREATIF DI DESA LATIMOJONG, ENREKANG

Abstract

The development of rural tourism contributes significantly to improving the welfare of local communities. Latimojong Village in Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi, is one such example of a village promoting its tourism potential. This study aims to explore the role and contribution of the Kelompok Sadar Wisata (POKDARWIS) in supporting the village's creative economy, as well as to identify the opportunities and challenges involved. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that POKDARWIS plays a key role in developing the creative economy, particularly in the culinary and handicraft sectors, through community education, skills training, and product promotion. Major challenges include limited human resource capacity, lack of support from the village government, and restricted access to tourism land. Despite these obstacles, POKDARWIS initiatives—such as the creation of water tubing and camping attractions—have successfully drawn visitors and opened new employment opportunities for the local population.