Gateway to Disparity: The Tourism-Education-Culture Trilemma and Structural Inequality in West Manggarai Regency (A Political Economy and Sociological Analysis of Regional Development)

This article analyzes the developmental trilemma in West Manggarai, where tourism acceleration directly undermines educational advancement and cultural authenticity—each sector's growth creating barriers for the others. Using qualitative-descriptive analysis of the West Manggarai Educational Development Transformation Roadmap 2025-2045, triangulated with regional tourism data and cultural policy documents, this research reveals how Labuan Bajo's designation as a Super Priority Tourism Destination creates “growth without inclusion”: 80% of strategic positions are held by external workers while locals face educational barriers (8.12 years average schooling, <50% achieving minimum competency). Integrating Matthew Effect and alienation theory, the study demonstrates how local communities experience displacement from economic opportunities, exclusion from decision-making processes, and erosion of cultural ownership as sacred traditions like caci dance and songke weaving become tourist commodities stripped of philosophical meaning. Simultaneously, inadequate education perpetuates skill gaps, preventing local youth from accessing tourism opportunities. The research concludes that culture-based educational transformation is essential for creating hybrid identities, fostering inclusive community-based tourism, and ensuring sustainable development where communities become empowered subjects rather than marginalized spectators.