Sustainable River Tourism Development Strategy through Collaboration among Government, Local Communities, and MSMEs to Enhance Local Economic Growth in Banjarmasin City

Abstract

Sustainable river tourism has become an important strategy for promoting inclusive local economic growth while preserving environmental and cultural resources. The Martapura River tourism area in Banjarmasin City represents a unique river-based destination where tourism activities involve government institutions, local communities, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). However, the sustainability of tourism development depends largely on the effectiveness of collaboration among these stakeholders. This study aims to explore stakeholders' understanding of collaboration, examine their perceptions of the opportunities and challenges in sustainable river tourism development, and formulate a collaborative strategy to enhance local economic growth. The research was conducted from 17 to 30 July 2026 using a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Participants included government officials, community leaders, klotok boat operators, MSME owners, tourism workers, and visitors selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that stakeholders perceive collaboration as a shared responsibility based on trust, communication, and mutual commitment. Although the Martapura River possesses strong tourism potential, challenges remain, including fragmented coordination, uneven tourist arrivals, environmental pressures, and limited MSME capacity. The study proposes a collaborative strategy consisting of five interconnected pillars: collaborative governance, community participation, MSME empowerment, environmental sustainability, and integrated tourism experiences. These strategic pillars provide a comprehensive framework for strengthening destination competitiveness, preserving river heritage, and fostering sustainable local economic growth in Banjarmasin City.