THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARTIFICIAL TOURISM IN ENREKANG REGENCY

Abstract

Tourism has become a strategic sector in driving local economic growth, yet its development in rural regions often faces structural and institutional constraints. This study investigates the role of the Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office (Dispopar) in developing nature, cultural, and artificial tourism in Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative descriptive design with a phenomenological approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis involving government officials and visitors. The findings reveal three tourism clusters directly managed by Dispopar: Lewaja Natural Spring (nature-based), Bambapuang Villa (cultural-based), and Latimojong Villa (artificial-based). Tourism development is supported by local natural resources, cultural traditions, and human capital; however, it is hindered by limited funding, remote geographic location, and land ownership conflicts. Dispopar’s role is multifaceted: as regulator through policy enforcement, as facilitator by conducting awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs, and as promoter through festivals and cultural events. This study contributes to the literature by integrating the dynamics of institutional roles with local tourism governance, highlighting the intersection of nature, culture, and built environment in regional tourism development. Practically, the findings suggest that sustainable collaboration between government, communities, and private actors is essential to optimize tourism potential in rural Indonesia.