Analisis Partisipasi Masyarakat Dalam Pengelolaan Destinasi Sopotinjak Kabupaten Mandailing Natal Provinsi Sumatera Utara

Abstrak

This research aims to analyze the forms, levels, and factors that influence community participation in the management of tourist destinations in Sopotinjak Village, Batang Natal Sub-district, Mandailing Natal Regency. Although the village has abundant natural tourism potential, such as mountain peaks, historical caves, and streams, community involvement in planning, implementing, and evaluating tourism activities is still low. The community's low understanding of the importance of tourism is a major challenge in sustainable destination development. The research method used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. The research informants included the village head, business actors, local communities, and tourists who were purposively selected. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that community participation is still limited to the implementation stage, such as mutual cooperation, providing local services, and maintaining environmental cleanliness. However, participation in planning and evaluation is still minimal. Enabling factors include village head support and environmental awareness, while inhibiting factors include lack of training, limited infrastructure, and low community understanding of the benefits of tourism. To increase active participation, capacity building is needed through education, training and supportive policies. Collaboration between the village government, business actors, and the community is considered an important strategy in creating a competitive and sustainable tourist destination.