The Topat War Tradition at the Crossroads of Tourism: Digital Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the meaning of the Topat War tradition and the dynamics of its preservation in the context of tourism development and the digital era. A qualitative descriptive approach with a digital ethnography perspective was employed. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and interviews with cultural actors and community stakeholders, and analysed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, consisting of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The study is theoretically supported by cultural mediation theory and the concept of ritual integrity versus performative adaptation in tourism contexts. The findings show that the Topat War tradition embodies symbolic meanings related to spiritual expression, prosperity, and interfaith coexistence within a shared sacred space. In the context of tourism, the tradition is managed through a controlled cultural model in which customary institutions regulate ritual procedures and limit commercialisation to maintain sacred values, while tourism contributes as a complementary driver of local economic activity. In the digital era, the tradition experiences a dual dynamic: digital technologies expand cultural dissemination and educational reach, but also shift participation toward visual and performative engagement, creating risks of cultural commodification and reduced ritual depth. These challenges are addressed through adaptive customary governance, including ethical documentation rules, restrictions on recording in sacred moments, and cultural education for younger generations. The study highlights that the sustainability of the Topat War tradition depends on the synergy between customary institutions, sustainable tourism management, and the ethical use of digital technology in preserving its sacred and cultural integrity.