Community-Driven Institutional Strategies for Ecotourism Development: A Case of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

This research investigates strategic institutional frameworks for enhancing community-based ecotourism initiatives through Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Employing a mixed-method design that combines participatory field observations, expert interviews, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study systematically evaluates the priority actions necessary to strengthen BUMDes as tourism managers. The results indicate that the most critical strategies include inclusive community engagement, the development of conservation-oriented and educational tourism products, and the implementation of digital-based promotional efforts. These elements are shown to contribute significantly to the legitimacy, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of rural tourism initiatives. The findings emphasize the need for adaptive institutional models that integrate local knowledge and stakeholder participation into tourism governance. The study also underscores the utility of AHP as a decision-making tool in identifying strategic directions for village-based tourism development. Recommendations are proposed for policymakers to establish enabling regulatory environments and facilitate multi-sectoral partnerships that support the institutional capacity of BUMDes in managing sustainable ecotourism. Keywords: community-based ecotourism, Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), institutional strategy, AHP, sustainable rural tourism, Indonesia