COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM (CBT) IN THE OSING COMMUNITY'S LOCAL WISDOM TO SUPPORT UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK IJEN IN KEMIREN VILLAGE, INDONESIA

Abstract

Indonesia’s ethnocultural diversity embeds actionable local wisdom, and the Osing community of Kemiren Village exemplifies the integration of culture and environmental stewardship in Banyuwangi. This study examines community-based tourism (CBT) grounded in Osing values with the aim of clarifying the community’s contribution to the pillars of the UNESCO Global Geopark Ijen. A convergent mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative strands. Data were collected through interviews, participatory observation, documentation, and questionnaires. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to interpret lived meanings, rituals, and spatial practices, while SWOT analysis was used to synthesize internal capacities and external conditions. Triangulation enhanced credibility and ensured integration of both strands in interpretation. The results show that conservation norms and sacred-spring rituals sustain ecological and cultural balance, while Osing festivals transmit heritage and structure tourism spaces. CBT strengthens participation, stewardship, and authenticity in tourism offerings. The SWOT analysis positions Kemiren within a strength – opportunity quadrant, supported by strong social cohesion and rich geocultural assets that underpin destination resilience. Opportunities emerge from geopark branding and learning tourism, whereas risks of commodification and seasonality remain manageable. Integrating Osing values effectively operationalizes geopark principles, aligning cultural and ecological dimensions that advance conservation, education, and local development. Overall, CBT emerges as a strategic pathway for sustainable geotourism and a scalable model rooted in community heritage landscapes.