Safeguarding communal intellectual property rights to strengthen the economic potential of regional tourism assets

Abstract

Protection of Communal Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR) plays a strategic role in preserving cultural heritage while enhancing the economic rights of local communities. However, Indonesia’s legal system remains predominantly oriented toward individual intellectual property rights, resulting in regulatory inconsistencies that hinder the protection of communal assets. In the context of South Sulawesi, various cultural heritages such as La Galigo, Perahu Pinisi, and Tenun Bugis face external claims due to weak legal recognition and insufficient documentation. The lack of commitment from local governments in registering CIPR, limitations in enforcing economic rights, and insufficient collaboration between the government and local communities serve as key barriers to optimizing the protection and utilization of communal intellectual property. This study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing regulatory analysis and field studies to identify challenges in the implementation of CIPR. The findings indicate that the protection of CIPR can be enhanced through inclusive regulatory reforms, capacity-building initiatives for communities in documenting and managing their communal assets, and strategic collaboration among government bodies, local communities, and the private sector. Furthermore, integrating CIPR protection policies with culture-based tourism development is a crucial step in increasing the economic benefits for local communities. By adopting a more holistic approach, communal intellectual property can contribute significantly to regional economic development while ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage.