Power Structure And Community Literacy As Determinants Of Participation In Tourism Management In The Tanakeke Islands, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi Province

Abstract

This study examines the level of community participation in tourism management in the Tanakeke Islands, South Sulawesi, focusing on power dynamics and community literacy as determining factors. Key issues include waste management, coastal ecosystem damage such as mangrove deforestation and coral reef degradation, and low levels of active community involvement in tourism activities. Although community involvement has been demonstrated through various activities such as MSME initiatives, transportation provision, and environmental conservation, this participation remains incidental and coordinated top-down by the village government. Based on qualitative analysis and case studies using NVIVO, it was found that community participation remains at the tokenism level in Arnstein's ladder of participation model. This is due to the dominance of local power structures and the community's lack of literacy regarding tourism, regulations, and institutions. Empowerment programs that fail to address the root of structural and educational issues will only prolong the practice of pseudo-participation. Therefore, a management model intervention is needed that can simultaneously break down power imbalances and increase community critical literacy. Thus, more deliberative, empowered, and sustainable participation can be realized to support equitable and inclusive community-based tourism development in the Tanakeke Islands.