The Role of Urban Design Development in Enhancing Historical Site Management as Tourism Destination: A Case Study of Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Indonesia

Abstract

Borobudur Temple, as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, has high cultural,historical, and tourism value. However, the management of this site faces a majorchallenge, namely balancing cultural preservation with sustainable tourismdevelopment. This research aims to analyze the role of urban design in enhancingthe management of Borobudur Temple as a tourist destination, using a case studyapproach based on Creswell's guidelines. The data were obtained through indepth interviews, direct observations, and documentation, and then analyzedusing thematic methods. The research findings indicate that urban designelements, such as environmentally friendly pedestrian pathways, green bufferzones, and digital information centers, significantly contribute to the protectionof the area while enhancing the tourist experience. In addition, the involvementof local communities in homestay programs and culture-based tourism servicesshows a positive impact on the local economy, although there are still gaps in thedistribution of benefits. This research also identifies key challenges, including thelack of coordination among stakeholders and suboptimal additionalinfrastructure. The study concludes that urban design plays a vital role insupporting the management of historical sites, balancing the needs ofconservation and tourism. Strategic recommendations include data-drivenmanagement, digitalization of tourism services, and inclusive urban design toensure social, economic, and environmental sustainability. These findings providepractical insights into the management of other cultural heritage sites.