Digital Finance and Creative Industries in Geopark Wadjakensis: Halal Culinary, Fashion and Tourism

Abstract

Digital transformation and digital finance are increasingly relevant to the development of creative industries and sustainable local economies in geopark areas. Geopark Wadjakensis in Tulungagung Regency is an Aspiring Geopark with geoheritage, biodiversity, and cultural resources that can support halal culinary, fashion, and tourism activities. This study analyzes the implementation of digital transformation in Geopark Wadjakensis and examines the use of digital finance in supporting local creative-industry development. A descriptive qualitative approach with a case-study design was used. Data were obtained through observation, in-depth interviews with seven informants representing geopark management, the Tulungagung Tourism Office, local communities, and business actors, and secondary data. The findings show that digital transformation has entered an early or emerging stage: digital platforms are mainly used to provide destination information and promotion, while an integrated smart-geotourism ecosystem has not yet developed. Digital finance, including QRIS and other digital-payment facilities, has also been adopted by some businesses, but cash transactions remain common and connections among tourism, culinary, fashion, souvenir, and payment services remain limited. The study offers an integrated case perspective linking digital transformation, digital finance, creative industries, and sustainable regional development in an Aspiring Geopark context. The findings suggest that a coordinated digital platform, broader digital-payment adoption, digital-capability development, and multi-stakeholder collaboration are needed to strengthen the local creative-industry ecosystem.