Semarang cultural ecology in the grip of capitalism

Abstract

This paper aims to uncover capitalism’s intervention in cultural ecological preservation in Semarang. The research questions included that1) what are the cultural ecological conditions in Kulitan Town of Semarang? and 2) how is activism in Semarang in preventing cultural ecological damage by the impact of capitalism? This research was qualitative project with a case study framework. This study involved 15 informants with 3 categories, namely 6 activists for cultural preservation, 6 general people living in historical heritage environments, and 3 company owners. The data were analyzed by using an interactive model. The findings of this study indicate the existence of historical environmental damage caused bycapitalism and this is the main problem of preservation of cultural ecology in Semarang. The most obvious damage is the loss of authenticity of historical heritage buildings. In addition, people’s memories of the cultural ecology also began to fade, with indications of apathy towards the ongoing process of conservation. Activism in the context of cultural ecological preservation is carried out through community forums concerned with history and culture. The strategy is to conduct studies, correspondence, and plan actions. The implication of this research is that cultural ecology in Semarang must be protected through Law Number 11 of 2010, considering that the cultural ecology is a symbol of the identity and cultural richness of the people of Semarang.

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