Snap, share, sustain: Photovoice meets circular economy in Indonesia

This working paper explores Circular Economy (CE) practices in traditional, family-owned tourism SMEs in West and Central Java, Indonesia, where indigenous circularity aligns with national sustainability goals. Despite SMEs' crucial role in tourism, many operate linearly, contributing significantly to emissions. Using a pragmatic approach, this research combines Photovoice and focus groups to uncover grassroots perspectives on CE adoption, highlighting barriers like financial constraints and cultural inertia. By centering local voices, the study reveals how kinship-based SMEs navigate sustainability transitions, offering practical insights for policymakers and businesses. The findings aim to bridge the gap between global CE frameworks and Indonesia's unique socioeconomic context, fostering greener tourism models.