International Journal of
Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

e-ISSN : 3026-0892
p-ISSN : 3026-1422
Index: Harvard, Boston,
Sydney, Dimensions, Lens,
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https://doi.org/10.58578/IJHESS.v3i3.6666

Analysis of the Impact of Tourist Visits on the Culture
of the Community Around the Batu Kuda Tourist Area,
Bandung Regency

Dadan Ramdani
Aisyiyah University Bandung, Indonesia
dadan.ramdani@unisa-bandung.ac.id

Article Info:
Submitted:
Revised:
Accepted: Published:
May 27, 2025 Jun 25, 2025 Jul 7, 2025 Jul 12, 2025

Abstract
This research investigates the socio-cultural impacts of tourism in the Batu
Kuda tourist area, Bandung Regency, focusing on how interactions between
tourists and local residents influence cultural values. Batu Kuda, known for its
natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, has experienced a steady rise in tourist
visits, leading to both economic benefits and cultural transformations within
the local community. The study aims to analyze the positive and negative
cultural impacts of tourism activities and to explore community responses to
these changes. Additionally, it seeks to provide recommendations for tourism
managers and village authorities to help maintain a balance between tourism
development and cultural preservation. Employing a descriptive qualitative
approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants,
including tourism managers, MSME operators, village officials, and tourists,
conducted directly at the site. Thematic analysis revealed that increased tourism
has positively contributed to community income and entrepreneurial growth,
particularly in the MSME sector. However, it has also led to shifts in social
values, including decreased cultural awareness, adoption of external lifestyle
trends, and rising environmental concerns. While some community members
demonstrate awareness and adaptability, others remain unprepared for these
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IJHESS Journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Dadan Ramdani

shifts. The study concludes that promoting sustainable tourism requires a
management strategy rooted in local wisdom, alongside educational initiatives
for tourists, to safeguard cultural identity and ensure long-term environmental
and cultural sustainability.
Keywords: Tourism Impact; Community Culture; Batu Kuda; Cultural
Change; Sustainable Tourism

INTRODUCTION
Tourism in Indonesia has now become a key sector in the national economy. It not
only contributes to increasing foreign exchange but also plays a significant role in creating
jobs, reducing unemployment, and accelerating economic growth. Development in various
regions (Ramdani, 2025). According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative
Economy (2023), this sector contributes around 4-5% to Indonesia's Gross Domestic
Product (GDP). While the percentage may seem small, its impact on community welfare is
significant, especially in areas with high tourism potential. At the regional level, the tourism
sector is also a prime candidate for improving the economic well-being of local
communities. Local governments are competing to develop their tourism potential. One
province that is quite serious about this is West Java. When Ridwan Kamil was still
governor, he had a grand vision of making West Java "The Number One Tourism
Destination in Indonesia." As a demonstration of his commitment, the tourism budget
continues to increase annually and is directed towards various aspects, ranging from
infrastructure development, digital promotion, community training, to the development of
a locally-based creative economy (Afriza et al., 2020).
Likewise, tourism in Bandung Regency has extraordinary natural tourism potential,
ranging from mountains and waterfalls to expansive green tea plantations. One destination
that has become increasingly popular in recent years is Batu Kuda, located in Cibiru Wetan
Village, Cileunyi District, Bandung Regency. Geographically, the Batu Kuda tourist area is
located on the eastern slopes of Mount Manglayang, at an altitude of approximately 1,150
meters above sea level. It is located at coordinates of approximately 6°51' South Latitude
and 107°44' East Longitude. From the center of Bandung City, Batu Kuda is approximately
25–30 km, with the main access through the Ujungberung and Cibiru areas. This
geographical condition gives Batu Kuda its characteristic cool climate, clean air, and dense

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pine forest vegetation, making it suitable for activities such as hiking, camping, and simply
enjoying the peaceful natural atmosphere. This topographical beauty is also a major selling
point that attracts local and out-of-town tourists (Putrawan & Ardana, 2019).
Batu Kuda is known as a natural tourist destination perfect for healing, hiking, and
hunting for Instagram worthy photos. The serene atmosphere, cool air, and pristine natural
scenery are no wonder more and more tourists, especially young people, are attracted to
this destination. Batu Kuda itself isn't a destination that has been developed for a long
time. Formal. Its development tended to be organic, starting with word-of-mouth
promotion, then going viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Only
then did the local government begin to recognize the site's immense potential and pay
attention through policies and budget allocations. This raises an important question: Does
tourism development in Batu Kuda truly have a positive impact on the local community?
Or does it only benefit certain groups? The community around Batu Kuda plays a
significant role in supporting and maintaining the sustainability of tourism in the area. They
are active in creative economic activities such as selling specialties, traditional drinks, and
local handicrafts. Some are even involved in maintaining the cleanliness of hiking trails and
public facilities like parking areas. One of the highlights is the Sunday market, which
regularly takes place along the road leading to the tourist area. Here, tourists can purchase a
variety of local produce, traditional snacks, ornamental plants, and crafts. This market
serves not only as a place for buying and selling but also as a place to strengthen social
interaction between residents and visitors. The family atmosphere and friendliness of the
residents are also attractions that set Batu Kuda apart from other, more commercialized
tourist destinations. Many tourists feel welcomed like family, and some even return not
only for the natural attractions, but also because they want to meet the locals they have met
before.
But behind all these seemingly positive developments, there remain some things
that need to be studied more deeply. For example, do local communities truly experience
direct economic benefits? What about the social and environmental impacts? Does the
increase in tourist visits bring consequences such as increased waste volume, ecosystem
damage, or changes in local culture and lifestyles? These questions are crucial to answer,
especially in the current era of regional autonomy, where local governments have
significant authority in determining the direction of development. One way to do this is
through budget allocation policies for the tourism sector (W. F. Oktaviani & Fatchiya,

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2019). These policies typically involve the provision of public facilities, tourism promotion,
human resource training, and improving road access to tourist sites. But is this budget
allocation truly on target and directly impacting community welfare? Or is it merely a
development formality without any real impact on the ground? As a tourism student, I feel
it is crucial to directly and objectively examine the impact of tourism budget policies on the
local community around Batu Kuda. This research was conducted using a simple and
communicative approach to capture the aspirations, hopes, and even criticisms of residents
and tourists honestly and openly, through open-ended questions, such as: why did they
choose Batu Kuda as a recreational destination? What were their first impressions upon
arrival? How did they interact with local residents? How much did they spend during their
visit? Were the existing facilities adequate? And no less important: do they see that tourism
in Batu Kuda makes a real contribution to the well-being of local residents?
Furthermore, it's also important to discuss the role of communities and tourism
awareness groups in managing these destinations. Communities typically act as a liaison
between the government and the community. If they function optimally, tourism
development can be more targeted. However, if they are inactive, community aspirations
may not be conveyed effectively (Karim et al., 2017). In a policy context, we can also
highlight how the budget planning process is carried out. Are communities involved in
development planning meetings To what extent are they involved in determining
development priorities around tourist areas? These aspects are crucial for fostering a sense
of ownership in development and ensuring the sustainability of implemented programs.
Beyond social and economic aspects, environmental considerations must also be
considered. The Batu Kuda area is located at the foot of Mount Manglayang, which has a
sensitive forest ecosystem. If tourism management is not properly regulated, it can cause
environmental damage such as soil erosion, loss of natural vegetation, and disruption of
wildlife habitats. This requires a shared concern from the government, the community, and
visitors. Educating tourists about the importance of environmental protection is also
crucial. Equally important is accessibility. The road to Batu Kuda from Ujungberung, for
example, is still largely damaged and narrow. This could hinder potential tourist visits. The
purpose of this study was to analyze the impacts of tourism activities on the culture of the
surrounding community, both positive and negative, and to describe how the community
responds to changes in its socio-cultural environment. This research also aims to provide

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input for tourism managers and village governments in maintaining a balance between
tourism development and local cultural preservation.

METHODS
This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach aimed at gaining a deeper
understanding of the social, economic, and environmental dynamics surrounding the Batu
Kuda tourist area. This approach was chosen because it is considered the most appropriate
for depicting real-world conditions and capturing nuances and experiences. The data were
collected through several techniques, including direct observation of tourism activities and
the lives of local residents, simple yet in-depth interviews with local residents, traders, and
visitors, and secondary data collection through documentation studies from various sources
such as articles, official government reports, and academic literature. The research location
focused on the Batu Kuda tourist area in Cibiru Wetan, Cileunyi District, Bandung
Regency, West Java. This area was chosen because it is currently experiencing significant
development in the tourism sector and is a concrete example of the implementation of
regional budget allocation policies.
This research was conducted over a month, from May 23 to June 26, 2025. The
research data sources were obtained from a sample of several tourism management
officers, local government officials, cultural experts, MSMEs, and also tourist visitors. This
data was obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation. During the
observations, the researchers directly observed the existing conditions by focusing on the
research problem. Interviews were conducted in a relaxed manner, namely semi-structured
interviews, using an open communication approach and unstructured questions so that
respondents felt more comfortable and unburdened in expressing their opinions. This is
expected to produce more honest, reflective answers that reflect the personal experiences
and perceptions of each respondent, and are accompanied by several documentation.
The data collected through these various techniques will then be analyzed
systematically and in stages using Miles and Huberman's B theory. The analysis process is
carried out by grouping the findings based on previously formulated main themes, namely
the influence of budget allocation policies on social, economic, and environmental aspects.
The results of this analysis are expected to provide a complete and comprehensive picture

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of the actual impact of government policies on the tourism sector, particularly for the
communities living directly adjacent to the Batu Kuda tourist destination.

RESULTS
Overview of Batu Kuda Tourism, Cibiru Wetan Area, Bandung Regency
The Batu Kuda tourist attraction is located in the Cibiru Wetan area, Cileunyi
District, Bandung Regency, West Java, geographically located on the slopes of Mount
Manglayang. My journey began from the Ujungberung area of Bandung, using a
motorcycle. Initially, the route was relatively smooth, with paved and fairly wide roads. The
atmosphere throughout the journey was still comfortable, surrounded by villages and shady
trees. However, as we entered the rural area approaching the tourist area, the road began to
show signs of deterioration. The road became narrower, with a surface littered with small
to large potholes, and puddles of rainwater often found due to poor drainage. I felt a little
apprehensive because I had to be extra careful, especially when avoiding deep puddles and
navigating the slippery dirt road. Many other drivers appeared to have difficulty navigating
the road, especially those using four-wheeled vehicles, as shown in the following image:

Figure 1. Road Access to Tourist Attractions
From Figure 1 above, it can be seen that access to Batu Kuda is arguably not yet
fully accessible by public transportation, especially during the rainy season. In fact, in
several reviews on social media, many tourists have complained about the same thing: the

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road conditions are unsuitable and make it difficult for visitors to reach the location
comfortably. This situation certainly poses a major challenge for the tourism authorities.
The management and local government are eager to make Batu Kuda a prime
destination. However, for young people and adventure enthusiasts, the difficult terrain
actually adds to the challenge and excitement. Many feel that the struggle to navigate the
rough roads is rewarded when they reach a location filled with natural beauty and cool air.
This natural "offroad" sensation is actually considered part of the travel experience itself.

Figure 2. Front view of the tourist attraction
As seen in Figure 2 above, upon arriving at the location, visitors will immediately
see various stalls selling goods and welcoming visitors. Once they arrive, they will be
directed to a toll booth located on the main road before entering the area.
The main tourist attraction. This is where visitors are required to pay an entrance
fee. Uniquely, the payment system at Batu Kuda is still very simple, manual, and not yet
integrated with a digital system. Visitors simply hand over cash to the officer on duty at the
post, and are then allowed to enter without being given a physical ticket or pass as proof of
payment. The fee is also very pocket-friendly, at around IDR 10,000 per person, which
includes access to the pine forest and camping ground. There is also an additional fee for
vehicle parking. The entrance fee is IDR 5,000 for motorcycles and IDR 10,000 for cars.
This fee is paid directly at the parking booth, which is separate from the main entrance
ticket booth. The facilities inside are comprehensive, including games, nature tours, forests,
rivers, rest areas, and more, so it's no surprise that many people stay overnight.

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In the development of Batu Kuda tourism, there is a basic concept that is often
used as a reference: the 4A's. This concept consists of Attraction, Accessibility, Amenities,
and Ancillary Services. These four elements must support each other for a destination to
develop optimally and sustainably. At Batu Kuda Tourism itself, all of these elements are
already beginning to be evident, although there are still several points that could be
addressed for future improvements.
1. Attraction (Tourist Attraction)
Batu Kuda's main attraction, of course, lies in its pristine and cool natural
beauty. Its location on the slopes of Mount Manglayang offers the sensation of
traveling amidst towering pine forests. The large rock, resembling a horse's back, is
its main icon and a unique attraction not found anywhere else. Furthermore, this
area is also suitable for various activities such as camping, photography, light
trekking, and simply relaxing and enjoying the mountain air. Another strong
attraction is the natural atmosphere and tranquility it offers. Many visitors come to
Batu Kuda for a "healing" escape from the city routine. The perfect for Instagram
natural scenery, star-studded night skies, and direct interaction with nature make
this place a unique selling point for tourists, especially the younger generation.
2. Accessibility
As I mentioned before, access to Batu Kuda remains a major challenge.
The route from Ujungberung to the site is initially good and smooth, but as you
enter the rural area near the tourist attraction, it becomes quite deplorable. The
road is narrow, full of potholes, and often flooded during the rain, making the
journey uncomfortable. This makes Batu Kuda less welcoming for families, the
elderly, or those using four-wheeled vehicles. Access Public transportation is also
inadequate, so it is only suitable for those who use private vehicles, especially
motorbikes.
3. Amenities (Supporting Facilities)
For a natural tourist attraction, Batu Kuda already has quite adequate basic
facilities. There's a spacious camping ground, a prayer room (musholla), public
restrooms, and several food stalls selling typical mountain food and drinks. There
are even man-made photo spots, which, while simple, are quite appealing for

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tourists looking to capture the moment. However, it's important to acknowledge
that all of these facilities could still be improved again.
4. Ancillary Services (Supporting Services)
In terms of support services, Batu Kuda has actually begun to move in a
positive direction, albeit at a rudimentary stage. The presence of tent and camping
equipment rental providers demonstrates that local residents are beginning to
participate in the tourism economy. Furthermore, the presence of souvenir vendors
selling items like cassava chips, ornamental plants, and fresh garden produce adds a
unique twist to the tourist experience.

Observation and Interview Results at Batu Kuda Tourism
In-depth research observations began to be carried out at 23 May 2025 by first
preparing several questions to be asked of the sources who were willing to be informants in
the preparation of this paper. These questions had been compiled the previous day and
grouped according to the type of source, namely tourists and traders, with different
questions according to the needs of each. However, all questions remain within the same
context, namely the impact or influence of Batu Kuda tourism on the lives of the
surrounding community and environmental conditions. In this interview, I focused on
three main indicators: the social, economic, and environmental impacts of tourism activities
taking place in the Batu Kuda area. These three aspects were chosen because they were
considered most relevant in describing the extent to which tourism in Batu Kuda
influences the lives of local communities and the dynamics occurring in the environment
surrounding the tourist area. List of Questions Based on Grouping of Sources:
Table 1. Primary and Secondary Sources
Respondent

Questions
1. What is your opinion regarding the current facilities?
Are they adequate or need improvement?2. On which days
Tourism
is the visitor traffic usually the highest?3. Do you observe
Manager (2
Tourism Manager
any cultural changes or impacts on the local community
persons)
due to the increasing number of tourists and current
developments?
1. As a coordinator, do you think the workload here is
Mrs. Entien Spartini,
UMKM Actor
heavy or still manageable?2. How is the waste
ice seller, 46 years old,
(2 persons)
management system implemented here?3. Are there any
from Ciponeng 1
obstacles in the waste management process?

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Respondent

Identity

Village Official
Village Official
(1 person)
Tourists (5
persons)

General

Questions
1. What is your opinion about the tourism development in
this area?2. What is the impact of tourist visits on the local
culture?3. What changes have occurred around the
tourism site, including among the community and its
culture?
1. What attracts tourists to visit Batu Kuda?

30 years old,
1. What kind of social and cultural atmosphere do you feel
housewife, from
while visiting Batu Kuda?2. Do you feel comfortable
Wonosobo, Central
during your visit?
Java
21 years old, student at
UIN Sunan Gunung 1. Did you interact with or buy from local vendors or
Tourist: Alifah
Djati Bandung, from residents?2. What is your impression of those interactions?
Cinunuk
29 years old, from
Tourist:
1. What is the average amount of money you spend when
Pasanggrahan, Ujung
Hanhan
visiting Batu Kuda?
Berung, Bandung
1. Do you think the prices at the tourist site are still
21 years old, from
Tourist: Castio
affordable?2. What makes this tourist destination different
Cipadung, Bandung
from others?
Tourist: Mrs.
Tia

From Table 1 above, it can be seen that the interview research data sources are
divided into two, namely primary and secondary sources. This division is due to
considering the function of the objectives and influence on this research. The results
above, one of the informants in this observation is Mrs. Tia (30 years old), a housewife
from Wonosobo, Central Java. She visited Batu Kuda with her family with the aim of
meeting her parents who live in the Kandang Larang area, as well as using the holiday time
for recreation. According to her, Batu Kuda tourism is a suitable location for gathering
with family because it has a cool, shady atmosphere, and is far from the noise of the city.
The main attraction of this place, according to Mrs. Tia, is the presence of pine trees and
open nature trails that her husband really likes for trail running activities. In her statement,
the entrance ticket price to the tourist area is still relatively affordable. However, the price
of snacks is considered slightly higher than outside the tourist area, although it is still
acceptable considering the context of the place. Regarding public facilities, Mrs. Tia stated
that the cleanliness of the area is quite good, with the presence of cleaning staff and clean
toilets, although their size is small and can cause queues when visitors overflow. Among
the criticisms raised were the lack of supporting facilities, such as a children's outbound
area and a gazebo or shelter. He believes that adding these facilities is crucial. Visitors,

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especially families with children, feel more comfortable during their visit. Therefore, he
hopes that facilities will be developed to make Batu Kuda more family-friendly and
accessible to all ages.
Another source interviewed at the Batu Kuda tourist area was Alifah, a 21-year-old
student from Cinunuk who is currently studying at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung.
Alifah said she frequently visits Batu Kuda, both to refresh herself from her studies and for
campus assignments and field observations. She found the atmosphere at Batu Kuda to be
very supportive of students' needs for a quiet, cool, and affordable place. The results
indicated that the comfort offered by Batu Kuda is quite adequate, especially considering
the very low entrance fee.
“I really like the atmosphere here. It's cool, calm, and not too crowded. It's too
crowded on weekdays. It's perfect for relieving stress." he said.
Alifah only spends around five to ten thousand rupiah per visit, which includes
entrance fees and light snacks like fried food or hot coffee. She added that visitors can
relax all day without feeling rushed. by the management. However, Alifah did not turn a
blind eye to the shortcomings at Batu Kuda. One of the things she highlighted was the
issue of cleanliness. She believes that many visitors are still unaware of the importance of
protecting the environment, as evidenced by the large amount of trash scattered under
trees or around photo spots. She also revealed that the limited number of trash bins makes
visitors reluctant to dispose of trash properly. Furthermore, Alifah also highlighted the
limited public bathroom facilities, which she said are still minimal and not always clean.
During peak periods, queues can be very long and the bathroom conditions tend to be
uncomfortable. Overall, Alifah still recommends Batu Kuda as an affordable tourist
destination suitable for students and the general public. She hopes that in the future
Management can increase attention to cleanliness, the number of public facilities such as
toilets, and improve road access to enhance visitor comfort. The following is an overview
of the interview:
"With a very affordable entry fee, I can enjoy relaxed atmosphere all day at Batu
Kuda, but I hope the management pay more attention to cleanliness and public facilities
such as toilets, because there is still a lot of rubbish scattered around and the bathroom is
often dirty Inadequate, especially when there are lots of visitors," said Alifah.

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Figure 3. Interviews with several data sources
Figure 3 above shows several tourists and MSME vendors in the tourist area. The
interviewees were gathered in one location, including the tourism manager and a village
official. In the interview, Mrs. Entien Spartini, a 46-year-old ice vendor from Ciponeng 1,
has been selling ice cream in the Batu Kuda tourist area since 2013 or 2014. With more
than a decade of experience selling ice cream in the area, Mrs. Entien has a fairly in-depth
view of the business conditions and the Batu Kuda tourist environment, especially from
the perspective of local MSMEs. Mrs. Entien revealed that since the beginning of this year,
her income has decreased significantly. She explained that during the New Year holiday,
the majority of visitors tend to choose to travel to the Puncak area, which causes the
number of tourists in Batu Kuda to decrease. As a result, food stalls tend to be busier
because they target tourists' basic needs, while ice cream vendors like herself experience a
decrease in customers. Despite this, Mrs. Entien expressed gratitude for the existing
fortune. Regarding managing the sales area, Mrs. Entien admitted that she did not
experience many obstacles. He felt that the existing management was adequate and didn't
burden traders. However, when asked further about matters such as taxes and MSME
support, he stated that these provisions differed for each trader, so he didn't fully
understand the system as a whole.
"As an ice seller who has been selling for more than a decade in Batu Kuda tourist
area, Mrs. Entien Spartini felt the impact decrease in income since the beginning of the
year due to a shift in interest tourists to other areas such as Puncak, which causes sellers
drinks like his are deserted by buyers, while food stalls remain many; despite this, he is still
grateful for the sustenance he has and assessed that the management of the trading area

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was quite good, even though there is still uncertainty regarding the tax system and support
for there are different types of MSMEs among traders," he said.
One issue highlighted by Ms. Entien was security, particularly at night. She revealed
that residents and vendors often worry about the potential loss of their vehicles due to the
lack of gates or special security at night. This poses a particular concern for the local
community, especially since Batu Kuda is quite exposed and has minimal lighting in some
areas. The interview revealed that in addition to visitor comfort, attention to local
businesses and environmental safety are also crucial aspects of sustainable tourism
destination management. The Batu Kuda tourist area in Bandung Regency has become a
popular natural destination for both local and international tourists due to its pristine
natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. With the increase in tourist visits, local
communities are experiencing changes in their daily lifestyles, particularly in cultural
aspects, social values, and economic activities. Culturally, the presence of tourists brings
new dynamics. Interactions between local residents and visitors create an exchange of
values, including lifestyle, language, and social interactions. This can enrich local cultural
heritage but also raise concerns about the erosion of traditional values if not balanced with
the preservation of indigenous cultures. From a socio-economic perspective, tourism
activities have a positive impact on increasing community income, especially for MSMEs
and tourism operators. However, the increasing number of tourist visits also requires local
communities to adapt, such as maintaining cleanliness, providing friendly service, and
understanding the diverse behavior of visitors.
"We see that the arrival of tourists does bring economic benefits, but on the other
hand, society must be more aware maintain local culture, so that original values are not lost
only. Because it follows the tastes of tourists," said one of the managers tour
“Thank God, with the presence of tourists, I can continue selling. But sometimes I
feel sad too, there are not enough visitors appreciate cleanliness and customs here, such as
throwing away garbage carelessly or speaking impolitely," said the MSME actor, Mr. Marni
“The impact of tourists is quite noticeable, especially in changing the way citizens
look at culture. We try to take care balance between receiving tourists and maintaining
cultural identity of the community. And also the environment becomes something that. It
needs to be maintained with the presence of many tourists, especially on holidays." Said
one of the village officials whose house is near the tourist area.

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DISCUSSION
Tourism is a sector that plays a strategic role in driving economic growth,
particularly in rural areas with unique natural and cultural potential. However, beyond its
economic contribution, tourist visits also have consequences for the social and cultural
fabric of local communities (Mokoginta et al., 2020). This is important to study because it
can reveal how interactions between tourists and local communities not only shape
economic dynamics but also influence cultural values, social interaction patterns, and even
lifestyles. This research is relevant in maintaining a balance between tourism sector
development and preserving the cultural identity of the surrounding community. For
example, the Batu Kuda tourist area in Bandung Regency is a popular natural destination,
especially for local tourists seeking to enjoy the mountain scenery and pine forests. As the
number of visits increases, the community around this area is experiencing changes, not
only in economic aspects, but also socially and culturally. The impact of tourist visits on
local culture is important to examine so that tourism development does not sacrifice local
identity.
Interviews with several sources, including tourism managers, MSMEs, and village
officials, indicate that the local community is quite open to tourism activities. Tourism
managers stated that the presence of tourists has a positive impact on the local economy.
This positive impact appears to be creating daily work opportunities, improving the local
economy, and learning about culture and other things from tourists from outside the
region, including from abroad. This aligns with research conducted by (Dinata et al., 2024),
which shows that tourism can have a positive impact on local communities, primarily
through increased income, job creation, and community-based economic empowerment.
However, in addition to these positive aspects, it also requires the community to adapt in
terms of behavior and lifestyle. For example, in terms of service and cleanliness, the
community is required to be more disciplined and responsive to the presence of outsiders.
Therefore, it is not surprising that successful tourism is one that demonstrates unity in its
management and maintenance.
According to MSMEs, such as Ms. Entien Spartini, interactions with tourists have
changed the social dynamics around tourist attractions. She feels that despite the economic
benefits, people are beginning to adapt their lifestyles to suit the tastes of visitors. This
reflects (Das & Mukherjee, 2020) opinion that tourism can this leads to a process of

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"acculturation," where local communities gradually adopt the lifestyles and cultural values
of tourists. Furthermore, interviews with tourists like Alifah revealed ongoing
environmental concerns. She highlighted the lack of proper waste disposal facilities and
public toilets, which often lead visitors to litter and create an unsanitary environment. This
situation also impacts local perceptions of tourist behavior, which are sometimes perceived
as disrespectful of the environment and local culture. Therefore, it's no surprise that proper
management and stewardship, including providing information to tourists, play a crucial
role in ensuring a comfortable, refreshing, and enjoyable experience (Pahrany et al., 2024).
Furthermore, village officials also stated that community culture has undergone
significant changes, particularly in social interactions. Traditions of mutual cooperation and
local hospitality are still maintained, but are now beginning to blend with the modern
lifestyle brought by tourists. According to research by (Herra & Yuliyanto Nugroho, 2024)
and (Mujtahid et al., 2023), in the Southeast Asian context, tourism has the potential to
alter social structures and cultural values if not managed with principles of sustainability.
On the other hand, tourist visits provide opportunities for local communities to
learn more about the outside world and broaden their horizons. Many residents learn about
service procedures, cleanliness, and even small business management from interactions
with tourists. This demonstrates the transfer of social knowledge, which can be positive if
properly directed. However, if not accompanied by cultural preservation efforts,
communities can lose their local characteristics. This is consistent with research (Thomas et
al., 2018) states that interactions between tourists and local communities can be a medium
for transferring knowledge and skills, especially in the areas of service, cleanliness, and
small business management, which indirectly increases the community's capacity to carry
out tourism-based economic activities. Likewise, research (A. B. Oktaviani & Yuliani, 2023)
in his research revealed that although tourism provides opportunities for local communities
to gain global insight, this must be balanced with the preservation of local culture to
prevent erosion of cultural identity that can threaten the long-term sustainability of the
community. The phenomenon of cultural change caused by tourism has also been studied
by (Kastenholz et al., 2018), who explains that the "host-guest relationship" between local
communities and tourists is complex and can give rise to value conflicts. In Batu Kuda,
although the community still adheres to traditions, the presence of large numbers of
tourists without cultural education can accelerate the process of westernization or the
gradual erosion of local culture.

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Village governments and tourism managers have a strategic role in minimizing
these negative impacts. Tourist education on the importance of maintaining cleanliness and
respecting local culture needs to be improved, for example through information boards,
educational staff, or local community involvement in tourism activities. This approach
aligns with the concept of Community-Based Tourism (CBT), which emphasizes active
community participation in preserving local wisdom (Zielinski et al., 2021). Community
involvement in preserving local culture can also be strengthened through cultural activities
such as art performances, traditional culinary experiences, or locally-based environmental
education. In this way, tourism becomes not merely an economic activity but also a means
of cultural preservation. These efforts need to be structured so that communities maintain
a sense of ownership and do not become passive participants in the tourism process.
Overall, this research shows that the impact of tourist visits on the culture of the
Batu Kuda community is two-sided. On the one hand, they provide economic and social
benefits, but on the other hand, they pose significant challenges in maintaining local values.
Therefore, collaboration between the government, managers, MSMEs, and the local
community is crucial in creating a sustainable tourism model that not only generating
profits, but also protecting existing cultural identity. The implications of this research
indicate that tourism development cannot be separated from social and cultural
responsibility towards local communities. The findings indicate the need for tourism
management that is not only oriented towards economic profit, but also pays attention to
the preservation of cultural values and environmental balance. Therefore, tourism
managers, together with the village government, need to develop a tourism strategy based
on community participation and local wisdom, such as through visitor education,
improving public facilities, and involving the community in maintaining cultural identity.
This is crucial for tourism in Batu Kuda to grow sustainably and provide comprehensive
benefits without eroding the cultural character of the local community.

CONCLUSION
Based on my observations and direct interviews in the Batu Kuda tourist area, I can
conclude that the local government's budget allocation policy for the tourism sector has
begun to have an impact on the surrounding community, although much remains to be
done. The most visible impact is the increase in economic activity among residents,

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particularly in informal sectors such as food stalls, ice cream vendors, souvenir shops, and
camping equipment rentals. However, residents' incomes still fluctuate depending on the
visiting season, and not all businesses have received concrete support such as training or
access to capital. Socially, interactions between residents and tourists are quite positive. The
family atmosphere and friendliness of the community are added values that distinguish
Batu Kuda from other tourist destinations. The presence of a Sunday market along the
road to the location also strengthens social ties and provides an economic space for
residents. However, unfortunately, community involvement in the decision-making process
for tourism development is limited is still minimal. Many policies are made "from above"
without direct community involvement. From a cultural perspective, the presence of
tourists brings new dynamics. Interactions between local residents and visitors create an
exchange of values, including lifestyle, language, and social interactions. This can enrich
local cultural heritage but can also raise concerns about the erosion of traditional values if
not balanced with the preservation of indigenous cultures. Therefore, the public is generally
aware of these changes, but not all parties are ready to face them in an adaptive and
planned manner. A conscious community will always strive to face these challenges
effectively, embracing the positive aspects and minimizing the negative aspects by
encouraging people to maintain cleanliness, uphold local cultural traditions, and so on.
This research makes an important contribution to understanding the socio-cultural
dynamics resulting from tourism activities in the Batu Kuda natural tourism area.
Theoretically, this research enriches the literature on the socio-cultural impacts of tourism
in rural areas, particularly on communities economically dependent on the tourism sector.
This research also shows that tourism not only has an economic impact but also brings
changes in social interaction patterns, lifestyles, and cultural awareness of local
communities. Practically, the results of this study can serve as a reference for village
governments, tourism managers, and MSMEs in formulating more sustainable tourism
management strategies based on local wisdom. With a more comprehensive understanding
of the impacts of tourist visits, relevant parties can design educational and regulatory
policies that can maintain a balance between tourism sector development and local cultural
preservation.
Recommendations for further research 1) Further research is recommended to
focus on tourism management strategies that integrate local cultural values, so that tourism
development does not erode the identity of the local community. This is important to

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create a socially and culturally sustainable tourism model. 2) Comparative study of the
socio-cultural impacts between natural and artificial tourism areas in Bandung Regency.
Further research can also be conducted by comparing the socio-cultural impacts that arise
in natural tourism areas such as Batu Kuda with other artificial tourism areas, to see the
differences in the characteristics of the influence on the community and find patterns
specific adaptation patterns.

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