Preserving paddy fields through tourism in Indonesia: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to show the opportunities and challenges of implementing slow tourism through a slow city concept, particularly concerning preserving paddy fields.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using FGD, in-depth interviews and questionnaires with open questions.

Findings

Paddy field preservation can be achieved through the slow city concept if there is a strong commitment from the government and influential local wisdom.

Research limitations/implications

This research is conducted in five areas (cities and regencies). Hence, there should be similar research in other areas to find whether it can be implemented in other areas. Furthermore, other aspects have not been explored, such as how to convince policymakers to implement a slow city concept, integrate urban infrastructures and paddy fields or encourage and protect local residents who develop a slow city concept.

Practical implications

This research will give insight for policymakers to establish a policy that can realize livable cities for local residents and tourists, particularly in terms of food resiliency through tourism.

Social implications

This research will give new information about the importance of slow tourism to improve the quality of life in a city and to maintain food resilience.

Originality/value

This research shows the implementation and challenges of realizing slow city and slow tourism in some regions in Indonesia, particularly related to paddy fields preservation.

Citation

Antariksa, B., Barsei, A.N., Maulana, A., Shofiyati, R., Adnan, A., Firmansyah, N. and Aulia, N. (2024), "Preserving paddy fields through tourism in Indonesia: opportunities and challenges", International Journal of Tourism Cities, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 1454-1468. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-01-2024-0040