Potential Leading Resources in Padang Panjang City, West Sumatra: The Development of Regional Economic Based on Soft System Methodology (SSM)

In order to improve competitiveness and enhance economic development, each region in Indonesia must be able to make the best use of its potential natural and cultural resources. The City of Padang Panjang is one of 514 district in Indonesia with great potentials for tourism industry. However, these potentials have not been strategically developed to enhance the region’s economic development and competitiveness.

The aim of this research is to design the best strategy of tourism industries development based on available potentials resources using Soft System Methodology (SSM). Analysis showed that the thawalib education system, plate dance and Minangese Cultural Centre may serve as three of the most promising potentials for developing cultural tourism in Padang Panjang City. In order to create a sustainable tourism industry, public involvement and cooperation with neighboring regions, is required. Furthermore, any strategies for the development of tourism industry in Padang Panjang City must be integrated with other sectors of development.