The Role of Social Structure in Tourism Governance in Village Communities of Soppeng Regency

This research discusses the role of social structure in community-based tourism governance in Soppeng Regency, South Sulawesi. The main focus of the study is how social actors such as traditional leaders, village heads, and local community groups are involved in decision-making and implementation of tourism activities at the village level. The research used a qualitative approach with a case study design, involving participatory observation, in-depth interviews with 50 key informants, and documentation in three tourism villages: Lompulle, Bulue, and Mattabulu. The results show that local social structure is the main driver in maintaining harmony between cultural preservation and economic exploitation through tourism. Tourism governance is not top-down, but based on consensus, mutual cooperation, and deliberation mechanisms. Social structure also plays an important role in reducing conflict and strengthening collective solidarity. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the importance of recognizing local social structures as strategic social capital in the development of sustainable tourism. Recommendations are directed at strengthening community capacity and institutional recognition of village social systems.