Maintaining Sense of Place in a Historic Village: The Case of Pekalongan Arabic Village, Indonesia

Abstract

Pekalongan Arab Village is a historical village closely related to trade activities, religious rituals, and influential Arab culture. It makes this village produce a good sense of place for its visitors. However, with the development of the times, there are problems such as street corridors that are no longer actively trading; houses have begun to be abandoned by their owners; and functions of spaces are changing. These have certainly made the sense of place of this village to be disturbed. In this context, this study examines the influence of changes in the village activities on sense of place attached to people's memories. The study employs qualitative methods to examine this phenomena and problems related to sense of place present in the area. Observations and interviews are used as research instruments. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. It concludes with a strategy to maintain a wholesome sense of place in Pekalongan Arab Village, in the midst of shifts and changes in the functions of spaces. It argues that in maintaining sense of place in the historic village, it is necessary to have the support of the local people and related figures as well as the restoration of the activities that have consolidated in the memories of people. It argues that , in doing so, the vernacular and traditional sense of place of the village will be maintained for future generations.