Read the full-text of this article for free

Title: Developing community-based waste management for public spaces in coastal tourism villages: establishing institutions with local champions

Authors: Fikarwin Zuska; Zulkifli Zulkifli

Addresses: Department of Social Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia ' Department of Social Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia

Abstract: Ineffective waste management in rural coastal tourism villages poses environmental, socio-cultural and economic challenges. This study investigates uncleanliness in Kampung Nipah, Indonesia, highlighting its impact on tourism and community well-being. Using ethnographic methods, informed by Giddens' structuration theory and Ostrom's institutional framework, we analysed the socio-cultural dynamics and structural barriers to waste management. Findings reveal that littering is rooted in cultural habits, absence of collective responsibility, and inadequate institutional frameworks. The role of 'local champions' demonstrates the potential for community-driven solutions. This study proposes a new community-based waste management model, which emphasise local resources, local champions, stakeholder (tourism manager) collaboration, and crafting adaptive rules to maintain coastal tourism and environmental health. The integration of participatory frameworks and traditional values offers an innovative approach to fostering sustainable waste management in underserved rural areas.

Keywords: community-based waste management; cleanliness; coastal tourism; local champions; development of common rules.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTA.2026.155914

International Journal of Tourism Anthropology, 2026 Vol.10 No.5, pp.1 - 22

Received: 25 Jan 2025
Accepted: 07 Jun 2025
Published online: 26 Aug 2026 *