<![CDATA[Purpose − This study aims to analyze the management of religious tourism at the Tomb of Sunan Katong in Jabal Kaliwungu, Kendal Regency, Central Java. Specifically, it examines the implementation of the POAC (Planning, Organizing, Actuating, and Controlling) management functions and identifies the challenges and opportunities in developing sustainable community-based religious tourism. Method − This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation involving tourism managers, community leaders, local government representatives, and visitors. The collected data were analyzed using the POAC (Planning, Organizing, Actuating, and Controlling) management framework to evaluate the existing religious tourism management system. Findings − The findings indicate that the management of the Sunan Katong religious tourism destination remains predominantly community-based and relies on mutual cooperation, while the implementation of the POAC management functions has not yet been fully optimized. The local government mainly acts as a facilitator, whereas the local community serves as the primary actor in managing religious tourism activities. The main challenges include limited human resources, inadequate tourism infrastructure, and insufficient digital promotion. Nevertheless, strong religious values, local cultural traditions, and active community participation constitute significant social capital for sustainable tourism development. Therefore, strengthening institutional capacity, improving tourism management competencies, enhancing supporting infrastructure, and optimizing digital promotion are recommended to achieve sustainable religious tourism management in Central Java. ]]>
