Assessing sustainable rural tourism in panjalu, ciamis using integrated mds-anp methods

Abstract

This study explores how to enhance sustainable rural tourism development in Panjalu, Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia, addressing the question: What strategies can ensure the sustainability of rural tourism in an agricultural region? In the context of Indonesia’s predominantly rural landscape, villages like Panjalu hold significant potential as tourism hubs, yet face challenges in achieving sustainable benefits for local communities. The research aims to assess the sustainability status of Panjalu’s rural tourism and formulate effective development strategies. By integrating Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) methods, the study evaluates ecological, socio-cultural, and economic dimensions. Data analysis reveals a “sufficient” sustainability index for Panjalu’s rural tourism, with scores of 57.998 (ecological), 66.278 (socio-cultural), and 51.862 (economic). Key sensitive attributes influencing sustainability include biodiversity, local community involvement, and livelihood diversification. The article discusses these findings through a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative MDS assessments with ANP-driven strategy prioritization, supported by in-depth interviews with stakeholders. The primary finding indicates that a strategy prioritizing culture and community development (48.61% weight) is the most effective for sustainable rural tourism in Panjalu, followed by environmental education and conservation (34.64%) and agriculture-based economic development (16.75%). These insights provide a framework for policymakers to foster sustainable tourism that balances environmental preservation, cultural integrity, and economic growth in rural Indonesia.