THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN PROMOTING TOURISM IN UNA-UNA DISTRICT, TOJO UNA-UNA REGENCY

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of local government in promoting tourism in Una-Una District, Tojo Una-Una Regency, as one of the marine tourism areas in the Togean Islands, and to evaluate the effectiveness of tourism promotion strategies in increasing tourist attraction and improving the welfare of local communities. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach conducted in Una-Una District during the 2025 research period. The informants consisted of representatives from the Tourism Office, district government, village government, tourism business actors, and community leaders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. The results showed that the local government has carried out its functions as a regulator, facilitator, and dynamizer as proposed by Siagian (2003), although the implementation has not been optimal. The regulatory role is still constrained by the absence of technical regulations regarding destination management, service standards, and operational guidelines. The facilitator role is also limited due to the lack of training, technical assistance, and equal distribution of community capacity-building programs. Meanwhile, the dynamizer role is reflected in promotional events such as Jelajah Togean, although its impact on improving local capacity remains limited. This study contributes to strengthening regional tourism governance by emphasizing the importance of technical regulations, equitable facilitation, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to achieve inclusive and sustainable tourism promotion.