TENSION COMPLEXITY IN CIREBON MASK COMMODIFICATION PRACTICES

Abstract

This article study aims to analyze the results of a joint convention in managing the resources of Cirebon mask cultural heritage products. The agreement stipulates the importance of protecting cultural heritage, commodification practices, as well as penetration of local tourism. Using qualitative methods, constructivist paradigm, data was obtained through observation, semi-structured interviews and documentation. This case study analysis also explores how the interaction between cultural heritage authorization relates to tourism. In practice, commodification has created complexities and the emergence of tensions based on interests. The analysis approach uses Antony Giddens' structuration theory, on the issues of modernity, space-time distantiation, disembedding, and reflexivity. The main argument is not limited to the practice of commodification as a form of adaptation to global change, but how the reconstruction of traditional style mask cultural products is able to reflect the basic understanding as a difference from traditional mask cultural products. Traditional masks are rooted in the cultural values of local communities, whereas traditional style masks are a form of interaction between relations in the authorization of mask cultural heritage, tourism and are oriented towards resource exploration, which are constructed for economic and political interests. Commodification by reconstructing traditional masks into traditional style masks, in practice has brought many benefits. Reducing unemployment and foreign exchange rates for the country. Meanwhile, on the other hand, tensions between hierarchically powerful agents are also increasing, especially the unequal position between external agents and local communities.