Beyond state discipline: Deconstructing sovereignty and regenerative values in rural tourism development (a case study of Senanggalih, Indonesia)
Published online: 19 Oct 2026
Abstract
Purpose - This study aims to deconstruct how local communities in Senanggalih Tourism Village, West Nusa Tenggara, negotiate their sovereignty amid social disciplinary mechanisms brought about by the state program “99 Desa Wisata NTB Gemilang”. Using the lens of governmentality and Social Exchange Theory (SET), the study challenges the singular success narrative of government by uncovering the power dynamics behind financial aid and industry standardization.
Methodology/Design/Approach - This study uses descriptive qualitative design by applying six steps of thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke model. Data collection was conducted through in-depth observations to document the physical transformation of the village as well as direct interaction with Pokdarwis members and affected residents to reveal the subjective calculations of the community.
Findings - The results showed that government financial assistance operates as a disciplinary contract that triggers the transformation of citizens' habitus from a subsistence economy to a compliant tourism market subject. This process leads to disruption of the sacred structure of society and loss of spatial autonomy. In addition, the phenomenon of nominal governance in local institutions was found to trigger participation fatigue, where the involvement of citizens was only administrative in order to qualify for assistance.
Originality/Value - This research provides theoretical contribution by linking Foucault's critique of governmentality with the concept of regenerative tourism in rural context in Indonesia. This study offers a new perspective on the importance of reclaiming citizen sovereignty through local narratives to counter rigid technocratic standardization.
Keywords:
Governmentality
Tourism Village
Community Sovereignty
Regenerative Tourism
Rural Tourism
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How to Cite
Yuliyanto, A. (2026). Beyond state discipline: Deconstructing sovereignty and regenerative values in rural tourism development (a case study of Senanggalih, Indonesia). Journal of Rural Tourism , 4(1). https://doi.org/10.70310/jrt.2027.040106126
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