Strategic Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Sport Tourism: The Role of Local Government in Jakabaring Sport City, Indonesia
Strategic Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Sport Tourism: The Role of Local Government in Jakabaring Sport City, Indonesia

Summary/Abstract: Sustainable sport tourism has increasingly become a strategic pillar of regional economic development, particularly in emerging economies where local governments play a central role in shaping tourism policy and sustainable growth. Despite its potential to enhance environmental stewardship, social engagement, and community well-being, the policy frameworks underpinning sustainable sport tourism remain insufficiently explored in developing country contexts. This study investigates the policy strategies adopted by the local government to promote sustainable sport tourism in Jakabaring Sport City (JSC), Palembang, Indonesia—an integrated sports complex designed to link athletic excellence with tourism and sustainable development. Objective: The main objective of this research is to analyze how local government policies contribute to the success of sport tourism through collaborative governance, sustainable infrastructure, and community-based initiatives. Materials and Methods: Employing a mixed-methods design, data were collected between March and July 2025 from 25 policymakers representing the South Sumatra Provincial Government, 40 stakeholders comprising sport federation officials and tourism entrepreneurs, and 200 domestic and international sport tourists. The instruments included semi-structured interviews, structured questionnaires with Likert-scale items, and document analysis. Quantitative data were processed using SPSS version 27, applying descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to identify significant group differences, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to uncover underlying policy dynamics and stakeholder perspectives. Results: The findings revealed that integrated policy frameworks emphasizing infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable practices significantly improved sport tourism outcomes. Policymakers demonstrated a high level of commitment to sustainability (M = 4.2, SD = 0.68), stakeholders expressed strong support for collaborative governance (M = 4.1, SD = 0.72), and tourists reported high satisfaction levels (M = 4.3, SD = 0.59), with significant differences between domestic and international visitors (F = 12.34, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Local government policy strategies that integrate multi-stakeholder collaboration, environmental sustainability, and community participation are essential for advancing sustainable sport tourism. The Jakabaring Sport City model offers valuable insights and a replicable framework for other developing nations aiming to leverage sport infrastructure as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and regional economic transformation.

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