Community Based Tourism in Trowulan

Abstract

Majapahit kingdom became the evidence of the greatness of Indonesia in the past. The domain of Majapahit cover all are in Nusantara (Indonesia today), also several countries in Southeast Asia. The evidence of the greatness of the nation and country of Indonesia in the past, now could be witnessed in the former capital of Majapahit, in Trowulan, Mojokerto, East Java. Many historic sites in the region of Trowulan, including gate, temple, burial, and residential areas. Majapahit also bequeathed intangible culture in the form of ideas, concepts and values. The development of community-based tourism is closely linked to community empowerment. The existence of historic sites in the former capital of the kingdom of Majapahit in Trowulan, Mojokerto, East Java, provides an opportunity for local residents to open businesses by leveraging the regional historical sites. But the development of community-based tourism have a bottleneck in terms of developing the skills of business scale and innovation. Community-based tourism requires community involvement in managing the impact of economic activity as a tourist visit to Trowulan. In a literature study found that community participation is essential in developing a model of sustainable tourist destinations, where the community is the main actor in any tourism activity. This study aims to describe the implementation of community-based tourism in Trowulan. Urgency of this research is to improve the competitiveness of Trowulan as a tourist destination, to identify the underlying factors that determine the readiness of local citizens as the main actors in the tourism industry, while maintaining and ensuring the preservation of historic sites. This study used a qualitative approach, in which the source of primary data obtained through interviews, surveys and focus group discussion. In addition, secondary data obtained through the study of relevant literature. The data source of this research is Trowulan residents in Jatisumber and Bejijong villages, Department of Culture and Tourism of East Java Province, Department of Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism, Mojokerto, and the Institute for Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BPCB) in Mojokerto. The conclusion of this study are, first, community-based tourism is the right choice in the management of the tourist area in Trowulan. Related government agencies, among others, BPCB Mojokerto, East Java Government, Mojokerto Government and Jombang Government, in partnership with local residents in Trowulan in the management of the historic tourist areas. Second, communitybased tourism has been executed in the management of the tourist area Trowulan by providing opportunities, conveniences and facilities to local residents to take advantage of business opportunities in the tourist area. Third, the role of community leaders become mediators between visitors and tourists to maintain the relationships and partnerships so well preserved.