Grassroots innovation in waste management: Transforming Bendhung Lepen into a sustainable tourism

Abstract Bendhung Lepen, once a rundown irrigation canal and neglected village park, has become a clean and attractive tourist destination thanks to youth awareness of environmental cleanliness. This research aims to reveal how local innovation can improve the effectiveness of waste management and contribute to a sustainable environment. The research method used is qualitative, with a case study approach involving in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA to process coding abstractions from interview transcripts. The results of this study show that Local innovation carried out by the Bendhung Lepen community succeeded in transforming the slum area into a clean and attractive tourist destination. In addition, the active participation of youth in waste management plays a vital role in the success of this transformation.