Perkembangan Istana Siak Sri Indrapura Sebagai Wisata Budaya (2004-2024)

Abstract

Siak Sri Indrapura Palace is a historical heritage of the Siak Sultanate that has developed into one of the cultural tourism destinations in Siak Regency. This study aimed to (1) describe the development of Siak Sri Indrapura Palace as a cultural tourism destination from 2004 to 2024 and (2) analyze the factors supporting its development. This study employed a historical method with a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through literature studies, interviews, and documentation using primary and secondary sources, and were analyzed through the stages of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The findings showed that the development of Siak Palace involved strengthening cultural heritage preservation, improving buildings and collections, developing tourism facilities and infrastructure, organizing cultural activities, promoting tourism, and utilizing digital technology. Tourist visits fluctuated during the research period, particularly declining during the COVID-19 pandemic before increasing again in 2024. Therefore, Siak Palace has developed not only as a historical heritage site but also as a cultural and educational tourism destination. These findings can serve as a consideration for improving the preservation, management, and promotion of Siak Palace as a sustainable cultural tourism destination.