Analysis of Muslim-Friendly Tourism Readiness Using the Community Readiness Model Approach to Ensure the Comfort and Safety of People with Disabilities While Traveling in Blitar Raya

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the economic potential of tourists with disabilities, evaluate the suitability of tourist destinations based on the principles of universal design, and examine their alignment with the perspective of maqashid shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic law) in the Greater Blitar area. The research was conducted from August to October 2025, involving observations at four destinations: Taman Kebunrojo, Kampung Coklat, Candi Penataran, and the Tomb of Bung Karno. The assessment utilized the seven principles of universal design, supplemented by indicators derived from the maqashid shariah framework. The results indicate that Taman Kebunrojo achieved a score of 90%, Kampung Coklat 80%, Candi Penataran 50%, and the Tomb of Bung Karno 60%, yielding an average suitability score of 70%. A key finding is that the aspect of "perceptible information" is not yet optimally addressed across these destinations. Furthermore, limited mobility access and a lack of flexibility in the use of facilities remain significant obstacles, particularly in locations characterized by winding paths and variations in elevation. Enhancing accessibility has the potential to expand the inclusive tourism market and stimulate local economic activity, although the specific economic impact has not yet been directly quantified. From the perspective of maqashid shariah, these conditions are analyzed through the lens of Abdul Majid al-Najjar’s framework—which emphasizes the protection of life, the human person, society, and the environment—as well as Imam al-Ghazali’s framework, which focuses on the preservation of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property. The study concludes that the development of disability-friendly tourism in the Greater Blitar area requires the improvement of accessible facilities, the provision of inclusive information, and the active involvement of organizations for persons with disabilities in the evaluation of tourist destinations. The integration of universal design and maqashid shariah can serve as a foundation for developing tourism that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.