Purpose: This study examines how institutional assistance can mitigate socio-political conflicts in tourism villages, focusing on Gunung Sari, East Java. Research design, data and methodology: A qualitative case study approach was applied, drawing upo...
Purpose: This study examines how institutional assistance can mitigate socio-political conflicts in tourism villages, focusing on Gunung Sari, East Java. Research design, data and methodology: A qualitative case study approach was applied, drawing upon interviews, observations, and document analysis. Fifteen stakeholders were engaged, including Pokdarwis leaders, village officials, BUMDes managers, women’s groups, and entrepreneurs. Data were analysed using an interactive model of reduction, display, and verification. Results: Findings highlight four main conflict triggers: leadership dominance, political polarization, economic inequality, and weak communication. Institutional assistance programs, including mentoring, focus group discussions, and mediation sessions, facilitated shared understanding and collaborative planning. Direct stakeholder involvement increased trust, improved communication, and strengthened governance. The results also revealed that structured procedures, such as SOPs and village regulations, helped balance leadership influence and ensure equitable distribution of tourism benefits. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that institutional assistance is vital for building sustainable tourism villages. By integrating participatory governance, mediation, and regulatory frameworks, tourism villages can overcome internal conflicts and foster inclusive development. While limited to one case study, the research offers theoretical contributions to community-based tourism governance and practical implications for policymakers and local leaders seeking to strengthen rural tourism resilience.