<![CDATA[Tepus Tourism Village is a community-based tourism destination with diverse natural, cultural, traditional, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) potentials, as well as various tourism activities. This study aims to analyze the forms of community participation, the factors that hinder participation, and the role of the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) in supporting community participation in the management of Tepus Tourism Village, Gunungkidul Regency. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured in-depth interviews, documentation, and a literature review. Ten informants were purposively selected, comprising village government representatives, Pokdarwis administrators, MSME actors, and local community members. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. Data validity was assessed through source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that community participation is manifested through contributions of ideas, labor, time, expertise, and financial or material resources in tourism management activities. Community members also benefit from their involvement, particularly through opportunities to engage in tourism activities and gain economic benefits. However, participation has not yet been fully inclusive due to competing demands from primary occupations, limited capacity and digital literacy, non-tourism backgrounds, limited access to capital, and disparities in benefits across areas. Pokdarwis Cipta Samudra plays roles as a mobilizer, operational coordinator, promoter, community facilitator, and liaison between the government and local communities in supporting community involvement. The findings indicate that the management of Tepus Tourism Village has adopted the principles of Community-Based Tourism (CBT), but further efforts are needed to strengthen community capacity, expand opportunities for participation, and ensure a more equitable distribution of economic benefits so that articipation can become more inclusive and sustainable.]]>
