Strengthening Creative Economy Based on Local Wisdom in the World Heritage City of Sawahlunto, Indonesia

Abstract

The city of Sawahlunto in West Sumatra, Indonesia, which was threatened with becoming a dead city after the end of mining activities, now faces the challenge of building a new, sustainable economic direction. As a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019, Sawahlunto has both the opportunity and the responsibility to maintain its historical identity while developing its non-mining economic potential. This research aims to examine the role of local wisdom-based creative economy as an effective, inclusive, and sustainable post-mining city transformation strategy. The research was conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach, drawing on a literature review, contextual observation, and the authors’ direct experience as members of the local community. The main focus was on the creative sector’s potential, derived from Sawahlunto’s rich culture and history, including handicrafts, traditional performing arts, local cuisine, and distinctive textiles such as Songket Silungkang. One strong piece of evidence of this dynamic is the annual Sawahlunto International Songket Silungkang Carnival (SISSCA), which demonstrates how cultural heritage can be elevated to both a city identity and an international economic force. The analysis indicates that the creative economy plays a significant role in urban revival, particularly when developed in conjunction with the preservation of historical value. Support for public policy, community engagement, and the establishment of creative spaces are essential components in fostering a favorable ecosystem. In this environment, the creative economy serves not only as an alternative to the mining sector but also as a means to enhance local identity and communal pride. The establishment of a creative economy grounded in local wisdom can serve as a strategic foundation for the regeneration of a heritage city such as Sawahlunto. Essential considerations include the importance of sustainable cross-sector initiatives, institutional support, and the promotion of local innovation to ensure continuity between historical context and future developments.