Commodifying Culture In A Frontier Area: The Utilization of Madurese Culture for Developing Tourism in the Eastern Tip of Java Island, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the reasons that the Regent of Bondowoso chose Madurese culture to be a tourist destination for Bondowoso Regency, and the impact of the commodification of Madurese culture on the welfare of the Bondowoso community. The theory of commodification and historical method were used in this study. The primary data were collected through participatory observation, interview, and colonial sources (documentation), while secondary data were collected from various sources which include published works, results of related studies, and related government reports. The population was the Madurese community in Bondowoso Regency. The results of the study had proven that Madurese Culture like Kerapan Sapi and Sapi Sonok (cow’s beauty contest) had been contesting in front of the public since the Dutch colonial period, while Ronteg Singo Ulung, Pojien Dance and Petik Kopi ritual had been used as tourism commodities in Bondowoso Regency since 2017. In this importance, the Regent of Bondowoso chose Madurese culture as a lure for tourists; both domestic and foreign tourists. This action was to improve the welfare of the community, as well as generating revenue for the Regional Government and Village Government.