IJECS: Indonesian Journal of Empowerment and Community Services
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): IJECS: Indonesian Journal of Empowerment and Community Services

Developing Halal Tourism Destinations in Kitakyushu, Japan: An International Community Service Collaboration

Muhammad Hamdi (Ahmad Dahlan University Yogyakarta Indonesia)
Hendro Widodo (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid global growth of Muslim travellers has created substantial opportunities for non-Muslim destinations to develop halal tourism infrastructure. However, empirical accounts of how university–diaspora community–government collaborations can be operationalised systematically in Japanese secondary cities remain scarce. This international community service project aimed to: (1) develop comprehensive halal tourism packages for Kitakyushu; (2) produce professional promotional content; and (3) build the capacity of PCIM (Special Branch of Muhammadiyah) Japan members to establish and manage sustainable halal tourism enterprises. The project adopted a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach over six months (May–October 2025) across three phases. Data were collected through three focus group discussions (18 participants), semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 key stakeholders, structured field observations at nine destinations, and document review; instruments comprised an FGD guide, interview protocol, and observation checklist, all expert-validated. Success indicators were specified at three levels: outputs (packages, content, business proposals), outcomes (pre-/post-test knowledge gains), and early impact (partner follow-up commitments). The project produced three segmented halal tourism packages, a four-minute promotional video. The scholarly contribution lies in articulating an operational model of cross-border collaboration grounded in Islam Berkemajuan values that integrates diaspora empowerment, cultural adaptation, and Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17).   Keywords: Community service, Halal tourism, International collaboration, Japan, Muhammadiyah, Community-based tourism.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijecs

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Health Professions Public Health Social Sciences

Description

IJECS: Indonesian Journal of Empowerment and Community Services is a journal of the results of community service with a multidisciplinary field of study. Education Agriculture Engineering Health Economic Social humanity and ...