CULTURAL PRESERVATION AND CREATIVE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT: INNOVATION AND DIGITALIZATION OF CINEAM TASIKMALAYA GAMELAN AWI

Abstrak

This community service program aims to empower local communities in Cineam District, Tasikmalaya Regency, through innovation and digitalization of Gamelan Awi as an effort to preserve local culture while fostering the development of the creative economy. Gamelan Awi, a bamboo-based traditional musical heritage, faces significant challenges in maintaining its existence amid modernization and the declining interest of younger generations. Therefore, a community empowerment approach was implemented through three main programs, training in performance innovation and art management, training in culture-based entrepreneurship, and training in digital marketing strategies. The methods employed included participatory observation, interactive workshops, entrepreneurship mentoring, and the application of digital technology for cultural promotion. The results of the program demonstrated a significant improvement in the capacity of local artists to create innovative performances that adapt to technological developments. Moreover, there was an average increase of approximately 60% in community engagement, digital skills, business management, and marketing and promotion strategies for Gamelan Awi. Overall, this initiative proves that innovation and digitalization can serve as catalysts for both cultural preservation and the strengthening of community-based creative economies. The program also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8.3 on inclusive economic growth and Goal 11.4 on safeguarding cultural heritage. This empowerment model is expected to be replicable in other regions with similar cultural potential to reinforce national cultural identity in the digital era.