Drivers and Barriers of Sustainable Tourism Practices in Indonesia: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Sustainable tourism has become an essential component of contemporary tourism development, particularly in countries experiencing rapid tourism growth such as Indonesia. However, the implementation of sustainable tourism practices remains fragmented, with limited synthesis regarding the factors that drive and hinder its application across different destinations. This study aims to systematically identify and analyze the drivers and barriers of sustainable tourism practices in Indonesia through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The review follows a structured approach by synthesizing findings from peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, and institutional reports relevant to sustainable tourism governance, community participation, and destination management. The findings reveal that sustainable tourism practices in Indonesia are primarily driven by community participation, governance and institutional support, destination-level innovation, and alignment with global sustainability frameworks. Among these, community participation emerges as a central driver that enhances local ownership, environmental awareness, and equitable distribution of tourism benefits. Effective governance and policy frameworks also play a critical role in facilitating coordination among stakeholders and ensuring the integration of sustainability principles into tourism development. In addition, innovation through community-based tourism and sociopreneurship contributes to strengthening local economic resilience while supporting environmental and cultural preservation. Conversely, several barriers hinder the effective implementation of sustainable tourism practices. These include weak governance enforcement, limited capacity and awareness among local stakeholders, structural dependency on mass tourism, and inadequate infrastructure development. These constraints create gaps between policy intentions and practical implementation at the destination level. The findings contribute to the theoretical advancement of sustainable tourism literature and provide practical implications for policymakers, destination managers, and local communities in strengthening sustainable tourism development in Indonesia.