Development of Sustainable Muslim-Friendly Tourism: A Case Study of the Management of Mina Padi Educational Tourism in Banyumas

Abstract

The study examines the development of sustainable Muslim-friendly tourism at the Mina Padi Educational Tourism Site in Panembangan Village, Banyumas, using the Access, Communication, Environtment, and Services (ACES) dimensions of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) as an analytical framework. This qualitative case study is based on interviews with tourism managers and community representatives, local business owners, and tourists, supplemented by observations and documentation. The findings indicate that the destination’s key strengths are its rice-fish farming landscape, hands-on educational activities for school groups, community participation, and affordable access costs. Lokal residents are involved as guides, food vendors and service workers; tourism revenue is managed through business contributions and revenue-sharing arragments. However, the visitor experience is hampered by poor road conditions, an insufficient number of restrooms, exposure to heat and rain, and the lack of fully functional dedicated prayer facilities complate with wudu facilities and prayer equipment. One tourist described repeated family visits and the children’s enjoyment of feeding fish and swimming, while noting that the admission cost was affordable since they only paid for parking. The findings indicate that Mina Padi has a strong community and environment based foundation, but the availability of Muslim-friendly servies remains uneven. This study contributes by applying the GMTI-ACES framework at the level of agricultural education tourism destinations and demonstrates that community participation alone does not guarantee adequate access to and provision of worship services.