Community Empowerment Through Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Pokdarwis) In The Development Of The Kubah Basirih Tourist Attraction In The City Of Banjarmasin

Abstract

Community-based tourism is promoted to support sustainable and inclusive development, with Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Pokdarwis) serving as key community institutions in Indonesia. This study analyzes the role of Pokdarwis in empowering local communities in the development of the Kubah Basirih Religious Tourism Destination in Banjarmasin City, South Kalimantan. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis involving community members, Pokdarwis, government officials, and visitors. The analysis focuses on four empowerment dimensions: community awareness, individual capacity, institutional capacity, and networking. The findings show that Pokdarwis effectively enhances community awareness and participation, particularly during religious events, and improves individual skills through training and creative economic activities. However, institutional capacity remains weak due to informal governance and limited participatory planning, while networking capacity is moderately effective through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Overall, community empowerment is moderately effective but requires strengthened participatory governance and sustainable capacity-building to support long-term religious tourism development