Layered Social Capital in a Tourism Village: A Phenomenological Study Toward Sustainable Tourism in Cibuntu, Indonesia

Abstract

Sustainable tourism develops in response to the limitations of conventional tourism models that emphasize economic growth over social, cultural, and environmental balance. In the context of tourist villages, social capital is a key factor determining the success of community-based tourism management. This study aims to analyze the formation and role of social capital in supporting tourism sustainability in Cibunt Tourism Village, West Java. This study uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological paradigm through the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation studies using a purposive sampling technique. Analysis was carried out in stages through repeated readings, initial note-taking, theme development, and identification of key themes. The results show that social capital is formed in layers through relational (networks and trust), normative (cultural values), and spatial-ecological (environmental attachment) dimensions. These three dimensions form an adaptive social system that strengthens internal cohesion, external collaboration, and sustainable tourism governance. Social capital also serves as a bridge between local traditions and modern tourism practices. This study concludes that layered social capital is the main foundation for the sustainability of tourist villages. Therefore, it is recommended that tourism development policies place more emphasis on strengthening community social capacity and that further research use a mixed approach to broaden the generalizability of findings.

Keywords: social capital, tourism village, sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, IPA

DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/69-04

Publication date: April 30^th 2026