Enhancing Tangible Cultural Heritage Preservation through Virtual Reality: A Case Study of Watu Gong Sites in Indonesia

This research addresses the intersection of cultural heritage preservation and modern digital technologies, focusing on the application of Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance the accessibility and engagement of cultural heritage sites. Using Indonesia's Watugong Sites as a case study, this study explores developing and implementing a VR application designed to provide an immersive and interactive experience of cultural heritage sites. The study's methodology using a design thinking approach, involved the design, development, and user evaluation of a VR application tailored for the Watugong Sites. According to the findings, a significant majority of respondents expressed complete satisfaction with the VR experience, particularly highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the attractiveness of the cultural sites. It suggests a promising future for integrating VR in cultural heritage preservation, highlighting its capacity to enhance public engagement and education, and ultimately contribute to the sustainability of tourism and heritage conservation efforts.