Autentisitas Sungai Telaga Waja dalam Pengembangan Pariwisata Berkelanjutan di Kabupaten Karangasem

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the authenticity of the Telaga Waja River in the context of sustainable tourism development in Karangasem Regency, Bali. The Telaga Waja River is one of Balis prominent natural tourism destinations, renowned for its scenic landscape, clear water, and rafting activities that attract both domestic and international visitors. This research employs a qualitative approach using Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis model through field observations, in-depth interviews with local communities, tourism operators, and local government representatives, as well as documentation of tourism management policies. The results of this study indicate that the authenticity of the Telaga Waja River is not only based on ecological conditions such as water clarity, river contours, and biodiversity, but is also formed through social construction in the form of cultural narratives, traditional practices, the community's spiritual relationship with the river, and daily interactions that maintain the continuity of local values. Social authenticity has been shown to play a significant role in strengthening the tourist experience and forms the basis for a community-based tourism management model. Theoretically, this study enriches the concepts of constructed authenticity and eco-social authenticity in the context of nature tourism. Practically and policy-wise, this study provides recommendations regarding sustainable river management, area protection, and the integration of authenticity into regional tourism planning. These findings confirm that maintaining the authenticity of the Telaga Waja River is a key step in ensuring ecological, social, and cultural sustainability.