Komodifikasi Ruang Pesisir melalui Event Pariwisata

Studi Kasus Sotis Sunset Street Food Hotel Sotis Kupang

Abstract

This article examines the commodification of coastal space through the Sotis Sunset Street Food event organized by Hotel Sotis Kupang. The study is based on the argument that coastal space is not merely a physical setting but a socially produced public space whose use and meaning can be reorganized by tourism and economic interests. The research aims to analyze how the event commodifies coastal space and how enclosure practices emerge in the process. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation involving local government representatives, the event organizer, coastal community members, and visitors. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while credibility was strengthened through source triangulation. The findings show that the event reorganizes coastal space through the placement of culinary tenants, seating areas, entertainment facilities, circulation routes, parking, and scheduled activities. The space remains physically accessible and no transfer of ownership to the hotel was found. Nevertheless, the event creates temporary functional dominance in which the beach is oriented toward culinary consumption, entertainment, tourism promotion, and hospitality-related economic activity. This produces a soft enclosure that is functional, symbolic, and temporary rather than a full physical privatization. The study highlights the importance of public oversight and meaningful local participation in coastal tourism events so that economic use does not reduce the social function of public coastal space.