Capacity and Readiness of the Jakun Orang Asli Community in Community-Based Tourism Development

This study investigates the capacity and readiness of the Jakun Orang Asli community in Kampung Tanah Abang, Johor, to participate in community-based tourism (CBT) development. Drawing on a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observations, and document analysis. The findings reveal that the Jakun community possesses substantial cultural capital, traditional ecological knowledge, and emerging entrepreneurial skills that provide a strong foundation for tourism development. However, these strengths are tempered by persistent barriers, including insufficient infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and environmental threats such as deforestation and habitat degradation. The revised analysis incorporates critical theoretical perspectives, including CBT theory, empowerment theory, and Indigenous epistemologies, to situate the findings within a decolonial and rights-based framework. Power dynamics between external agencies and the community are examined to reveal how decision-making processes and benefit-sharing structures influence tourism outcomes. The study also draws comparative insights from other Indigenous-led CBT initiatives in Malaysia and abroad to highlight transferable best practices. Recommendations include the establishment of a community-led tourism cooperative, the implementation of targeted capacity-building programmes in entrepreneurship and digital marketing, and the integration of environmental conservation into tourism planning. This research contributes to the growing scholarship on Indigenous tourism by offering context-specific strategies that balance socio-economic benefits with cultural preservation and ecological sustainability.