Asian Journal of Advances in Research

Background: Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is a key approach to sustainable tourism, empowering local communities to manage and benefit from tourism, with homestays being a vital component. In Indonesia's Raja Ampat region, homestays have grown rapidly, contributing to household income and women's economic roles, but face challenges like limited managerial capacity and unequal benefit distribution, highlighting the need for effective governance and local institution strengthening.

Objective: This study aims to examine the homestay management model in the Raja Ampat tourism area, located in Southwest Papua, with an emphasis on ownership structures, the role of local institutions, community participation, and the contributions to the economy, culture, and environment.

Method: The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach using a case study method across 13 districts. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and document review. Informants were selected using purposive sampling, with criteria of direct involvement in homestay management. To broaden the scope of information, snowball sampling was also employed to reach other relevant actors.

Results: The results indicate that most homestays in Raja Ampat are owned and managed by indigenous communities on a clan-based system, supported by institutions such as tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis) and village-owned enterprises (BUMDes). Homestays make significant contributions to increased local income, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. However, implementation faces challenges including limited human resource capacity, uneven participation, restricted access to digital markets, and dependence on external assistance. Strengthening strategies focus on capacity building, institutional reinforcement, digital marketing, and integrating homestays into local tour packages.

Conclusion: This study offers a conceptual contribution to the development of community-based homestay governance models in conservation areas and provides practical implications for strengthening independent, sustainable, and competitive tourist villages.