Social Construction of a Halal Tourism Ecosystem: A Phenomenological Study of Benowo Park, Pemalang, Central Java

Abstract

This research aims to examine the social construction of the halal tourism ecosystem at the cultural tourism destination of Benowo Park in Pemalang Regency, Central Java. Using a phenomenological descriptive qualitative approach, data were obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation from four main groups of informants: destination managers, tourists, business actors, and local communities. The analysis is carried out through the framework of the social construction of reality to trace how the meaning of halal is collectively produced, negotiated, and maintained. The results of the study show that the meaning of halal in Benowo Park is not uniformly understood but is shaped dynamically and contextually, according to each actor’s background and interests. Managers interpret halal as an operational responsibility; tourists construct it from the perspective of personal-functional experience; business actors view it as social capital and consumer trust; while local communities live it as part of a deep-rooted cultural identity. Social interaction among actors occurs in a dialogical manner and serves as an informal social control mechanism that helps sustain halal values in tourist areas. The integration of local cultural, religious, and tourism values is achieved through three interrelated dimensions: historical-cultural, operational-institutional, and experiential-relational. Although it still faces challenges in infrastructure, human resource quality, and promotion, Benowo Park has great potential to become an authentic and sustainable halal tourist destination rooted in local wisdom.