Spatial and Capital Contestation in Pindul Cave Tourism: Management Rights, Price Competition, and Local Politics

Abstract

Natural resource tourism often faces management conflicts due to competing interests, as seen in Pindul Cave tourism involving land rights, pricing, and government policies. This article aims to analyze the dynamics of conflict in the management of Pindul Cave tourism, particularly focusing on rights claims, competition practices, and governance policies. The study uses a qualitative approach, with descriptive and analytical discussion framed by tourism governance and the political economy of tourism. Conflicts in Pindul Cave tourism stem from overlapping authorities, unequal power relations, and market-driven practices rather than purely technical issues. Price competition and weak supervision worsen social tensions and risk environmental and reputational damage. Although Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2013 introduced BUMDes as a centralized management body, its implementation faces challenges due to local resistance and fiscal-oriented governance. Resolving tourism conflicts requires improvements in participatory, transparent, and equitable governance. Such reforms are essential to ensure that tourism policies support social, economic, and environmental sustainability in tourist destinations.