Immersive Augmented Reality storytelling for smart governance and resilient local culture in heritage tourism

Immersive digital technologies are transforming heritage tourism through more interactive and participatory interpretation models. This research creates and tests ARchive, a mobile augmented reality (AR) storytelling app that aims to combine architectural visualization, narrative immersion, and participatory heritage governance in the historic urban setting of Kampoeng Heritage Kayutangan, Malang, Indonesia. Unlike conventional AR heritage applications that primarily emphasize visualization or usability, this study conceptualizes AR storytelling as a socio-technical interface connecting spatial experience, historical interpretation, and digital heritage governance. The development process involved historical data extraction, narrative scenario formulation, three-dimensional heritage reconstruction, multimedia integration, and mobile AR implementation using Unity and ARFoundation. Empirical evaluation through structured focus group discussions demonstrates that immersive visual representation, interface composition, and narrative interaction significantly enhance visitor engagement, emotional connection, and interpretive understanding of heritage spaces. At the same time, technical limitations related to interaction precision, marker detection stability, and cross-device compatibility remain critical challenges affecting experiential continuity. The findings highlight the importance of integrating visual authenticity, interaction quality, and storytelling mechanisms within a unified immersive environment. This study contributes a transferable framework for narrative-driven AR heritage systems that advances digital conservation practices, participatory interpretation, and smart heritage governance in rapidly developing historic urban contexts.