Cultural Heritage Interpretation and Tourism English in Relation to World Site Manager’s Tasks, Management Challenges: The Case of OCMHS, Indonesia

Cultural heritage interpretation, when applied through Tilden’s principles, can significantly enhance the meaning and value of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making them more attractive to visitors while addressing management challenges. A study on Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS) in Indonesia found that current interpretations often reduce heritage significance to mere Dutch colonialist artifacts, failing to communicate its multifaceted cultural importance. Effective interpretation can bridge gaps among local stakeholders, improve tourism engagement—particularly through Tourism English—and foster commitment to preservation and investment. The research combines literature review, field surveys, and Tilden’s interpretative framework to demonstrate how language and storytelling can transform heritage perception, offering a practical solution for site managers facing governance fragmentation, regional sentiment issues, and low visitor attraction.

Elfiondri, Wongso, J., & Puspa, D. F. (2026). Cultural Heritage Interpretation and Tourism English in Relation to World Site Manager’s Tasks, Management Challenges: The Case of OCMHS, Indonesia. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 10(6), 16804–16816. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2026.100601180