Competing interests and heritage conservation: examining the political economy of tourism at the Borobudur World Heritage Site

This study examines the context and implications of prioritizing tourism in managing the Borobudur World Heritage Site (WHS), one of Indonesia’s designated ‘super priority destinations’. Based on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from organizations involved in the preservation of the cultural heritage site and the management of the priority destination, on-site observations, and go-along interviews with local community leaders, this research uses a political economy lens to investigate the tension between tourism-driven economic goals and the preservation of cultural heritage. The study centers on three core themes: (1) competing interests; (2) tourism as a political economy decision; (3) power dynamics that favor tourism over preservation. Findings reveal a lack of shared vision and coordinated strategy among stakeholders, strongly emphasizing physical infrastructure development over sustainable and locally meaningful tourism. The study highlights the critical need for accountable and inclusive leadership to balance economic ambitions with heritage conservation, advocating for approaches that integrate local narratives and sustainable development practices.