<![CDATA[The development of Bendhung Lepen reflects strong community involvement in revitalizing an area that was once known for its slum conditions, environmental pollution, and its past association with prostitution, as listed in Yogyakarta Mayor’s Decree No. 216 of 2016 as a slum area. The site has now transformed into an appealing tourist attraction. This study aims to describe the extent to which community participation contributed to the success of Bendhung Lepen’s development. The research adopts Cohen and Uphoff’s theory of community participation. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, while informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data validity was ensured through credibility checks, triangulation, and member checking. The analysis process included data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that community participation has been implemented effectively and has yielded positive results, although the evaluation stage, particularly regarding cleanliness management, still requires routine improvement. Overall, community involvement has successfully transformed Bendhung Lepen and boosted the local economy. ABSTRAKPembangunan Bendhung Lepen merupakan bentuk keterlibatan aktif masyarakat dalam menata ulang kawasan yang sebelumnya identik dengan kekumuhan, kondisi lingkungan yang kotor, serta pernah dikenal sebagai kawasan prostitusi dan tercantum dalam SK Wali Kota Yogyakarta Nomor 216 Tahun 2016 sebagai wilayah kumuh. Kawasan tersebut kini berhasil bertransformasi menjadi destinasi wisata yang menarik. Penelitian ini bertujuan menjelaskan sejauh mana partisipasi masyarakat berkontribusi terhadap keberhasilan pembangunan Bendhung Lepen. Kajian menggunakan teori partisipasi masyarakat dari Cohen dan Uphoff. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi, dengan penentuan informan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Keabsahan data diuji melalui kredibilitas, triangulasi, dan member check. Analisis data mencakup reduksi, penyajian, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa partisipasi masyarakat telah berjalan dengan baik dan memberikan dampak signifikan, meskipun pada tahap evaluasi terkait pengelolaan kebersihan masih perlu peningkatan secara berkala. Secara keseluruhan, keterlibatan masyarakat terbukti mampu mentransformasi Bendhung Lepen sekaligus meningkatkan ekonomi warga sekitar.]]>
