Dark Tourism, Beyond Fear and Sadness: Development of Contemporary Tourism Management in Indonesia

Purpose: This paper examines the tourist’s experience and emotional responses to encountering dark tourism destinations in Tana Toraja, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing qualitative methods and a phenomenological approach, the study highlights the dual nature of dark tourism in creating both positive and negative emotions for tourists. Findings: The negative emotions in Torajan death and burial traditions are transformed into positive motivations. Tourists often leave with a deeper cultural understanding and a renewed commitment to good deeds. Storytelling skills and experience of tour guides in conveying the rituals’ religious and cultural philosophies are key to shaping tourists’ emotions and transformative journeys. Originality/Value: This research examines the transformative emotional experiences of tourists in Tana Toraja’s dark tourism context, emphasising how negative emotions are transformed into positive motivations and inspire good deeds. Research Implications: This research advocates for ethical tourism management strategies that respect local communities while promoting economic growth and cultural preservation. Keywords: Dark Tourism; Death Rituals; Local Wisdom; Criminology; Toraja. Citation: Puteri, D. N. M. M., Safira, F. and Sari, R. (2025): Dark Tourism, Beyond Fear and Sadness: Development of Contemporary Tourism Management in Indonesia. W World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development (WJEMSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 285-301.