Transforming traditional villages into cultural heritage tourism destinations: Insights from the Minangkabau community in Indonesia

Cultural heritage tourism has become a major focus of development in various traditional villages over the past 20 years. However, there is a significant debate regarding the use of cultural elements in the tourism industry, as it is perceived as a commodification with negative impacts, such as undermining the authenticity of local culture and making the community an object of display. This study aimed to examine the transformation of traditional villages into community based Minangkabau traditional tourism destinations in Nagari Sijunjung, West Sumatra, Indonesia, and assess the impact on the local community. This study used qualitative methods, including participant observation and in-depth interviews. The results showed that the development of cultural tourism in Nagari Sijunjung Traditional Village has transformed the socio-cultural life of the community. The development of cultural tourism in Nagari Sijunjung Traditional Village, with the concept of “Minangkabau Time Corridor,” had a positive impact on the sustainability of the economic and socio-cultural life of the local community rather than negatively influencing cultural preservation. Apart from creating new business opportunities that improved the local community welfare, cultural tourism influenced the preservation of local culture, formation of collective memory, strengthening of cultural identity, and the increased attractiveness of traditional villages. Local community culture serves as a medium for building a sense of place, offering a unique experience that promotes the connections between visitors, the environment, and the local population.