Critical Factors for Sasak Community Involvement in Halal Tourism in Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok is an important destination for halal tourism in Indonesia, renowned for its abundant natural resources, rich cultural heritage and strategic support from local government authorities. Key attributes contributing to its appeal include the warm hospitality of the Sasak-Lombok community, ease of access to prominent tourist sites, proximity to Bali Island and the devout religiosity of the Sasak community. Despite these advantages, the advancement of halal tourism in Lombok faces significant challenges, primarily due to the limited involvement of the local community. Understanding the determinants of community participation in halal tourism is essential for fostering meaningful engagement and promoting sustainable development in this sector. This study was instigated to identify the critical factors that will influence local community involvement in halal tourism in Lombok. Questionnaires were distributed to community members in tourism-related businesses in five villages in Lombok, where 150 responses were successfully collected. Data were then analysed using multiple regression analysis and findings revealed that operational factors; product and process orientation, participant responsibility and situation-specific conditions—and personal factors, including family support, income, interest, confidence and opportunities, play significant roles in shaping community participation. Personal confidence emerged as the sole factor that found to be influencing local community involvement. The results underscore the importance of understanding these influencing factors, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to develop more effective strategies for enhancing community engagement. This, in turn, supports the sustainable growth of halal tourism in Lombok. The findings contribute to existing models of community engagement and highlight the significance of confidence-building initiatives in boosting local participation. Policymakers can leverage these insights to design targeted and sustainable tourism development strategies.