Social Construction and Sustainable Tourism and Insights From The Local Church’s Engagement in Labuan Bajo

This article explores the active involvement of the local Church in the newly established Diocese of Labuan Bajo in shaping tourism development in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, through the theoretical framework of Peter L. Berger’s social construction theory. It examines how the Church responds to social, cultural, ecological, pedagogical, and spiritual challenges arising from rapid tourism growth. As tourism transforms the region, the Church emerges as a moral and social agent, advocating for human dignity, ecological stewardship, and equitable participation. In light of its recent establishment as a distinct diocese in 2024, the Church aims to enhance its engagement and direct impact on local tourism dynamics, further solidifying its role in community development. Using a qualitative methodology, this study draws on a comprehensive review of literature, including scientific journals, books, Church documents, online publications, and multimedia sources. Through Berger’s three processes of social construction—externalization, objectivation, and internalization—the article highlights how the Church influences public discourse, institutionalizes ethical values, and shapes local attitudes toward justice and sustainable development. The novelty of this article lies in applying Berger’s social construction theory to analyze the Church’s engagement with tourism, offering fresh insights into how religious institutions can shape socio-economic realities. This interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the Church’s role as both a counter-narrative to capitalist-driven development and a key player in fostering a more just and sustainable future for the local community.