Eksplorasi Cultural Diversity Masyarakat Kecamatan dalam Pengembangan Geopark Maros-Pangkep - Badrizal Al Hazar; Irna Diswati; Nurul Azizah Az-Zahroh; Ahmad Rayhan (LaGeografia, 2026)
The communities in Biraeng and Bontokio villages, Minasate'ne subdistrict, Pangkep regency, have a rich culture that includes traditions, local knowledge, and wisdom in managing the environment, but most of it has not been systematically documented. This study aims to explore the cultural diversity of the communities in Biraeng and Bontokio villages, Minasate'ne sub-district, Pangkep regency, in support of the development of the Maros-Pangkep Geopark. The study uses a descriptive qualitative method with in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation of traditional leaders, cultural actors, and local communities. The results show that both villages have rich and adaptive cultural systems, including tangible cultural elements such as traditional houses, prehistoric cave sites, and traditional arts, as well as intangible cultural elements such as religious systems, language, traditional rituals, and local wisdom in environmental management. The community is also actively documenting their culture through art studios, cultural centers, and digital media as part of their efforts to preserve and promote community-based tourism. This cultural diversity contributes greatly to the sustainability of the Maros-Pangkep Geopark, not only as a tourist attraction but also as a means of education, conservation, and economic empowerment for the local community. This study emphasizes the importance of community participation in the management of culture-based geoparks as a strategy for preserving local identity and promoting sustainable development. AbstrakMasyarakat di Kelurahan Biraeng, Kecamatan Minasate’ne, Kabupaten Pangkep, memiliki kekayaan budaya yang meliputi tradisi, pengetahuan lokal, dan kearifan dalam mengelola lingkungan, namun sebagian besar belum terdokumentasi secara sistematis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi keanekaragaman budaya (cultural diversity) masyarakat Kelurahan Biraeng, Kecamatan Minasate’ne, Kabupaten Pangkep, dalam mendukung pengembangan Geopark Maros-Pangkep. Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik wawancara mendalam, observasi partisipatif, dan dokumentasi terhadap tokoh adat, pelaku budaya, serta masyarakat lokal. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kedua kelurahan memiliki sistem budaya yang kaya dan adaptif, meliputi unsur budaya berwujud (tangible) seperti rumah adat, situs gua prasejarah, dan seni tradisional, serta budaya tidak berwujud (intangible) seperti sistem religi, bahasa, ritual adat, dan kearifan lokal dalam pengelolaan lingkungan. Masyarakat juga aktif mendokumentasikan budaya melalui sanggar seni, rumah budaya, serta media digital sebagai upaya pelestarian dan promosi pariwisata berbasis komunitas. Keragaman budaya tersebut berkontribusi besar terhadap keberlanjutan Geopark Maros-Pangkep, tidak hanya sebagai daya tarik wisata, tetapi juga sebagai sarana edukasi, konservasi, dan pemberdayaan ekonomi masyarakat lokal. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya partisipasi masyarakat dalam pengelolaan geopark berbasis budaya sebagai strategi menjaga identitas lokal dan mendorong pembangunan berkelanjutan.