Alternative strategies for sustaining Yogyakarta Philosophy Axis and impact on community and the environment

Abstract

Since 2016 the Yogyakarta City Government together with the Provincial Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta has continued to rearrange green open spaces in the Yogyakarta Philosophy Axis area. The Philosophy Axis, which was the result of the thoughts of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I in 1756, has been designated by the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta as a cultural heritage according to the Decree of the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta number 108 / Kep / 2017. On March 14, 2017, the Philosophy Axis was submitted to UNESCO to become a World Heritage City. This study aims to formulate a strategy to preserve the Philosophy Axis through descriptive analysis. SWOT analysis is used by dividing it into two, namely IFAS and EFAS. The research data was collected qualitatively by in-depth interview. This research is focused on disclosing the problems that will occur and what will be done in the future. The results show that the strategy formulation refers to quadrant 1, with several alternative strategies suggested, such permits for construction and use of buildings on the Philosophy Axis must be reaffirmed by the Office of Investment and Licensing; instilling an awareness of protecting cultural heritage in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Conservation Center; collaborating with the Ministry of Communication and Informatics for the promotion of the Philosophy Axis through social media; community involvement to participate in managing the Philosophy Axis bridged by the Village Community Empowerment Institution; clear and firm warnings and signs are needed in the area so that tourists and the public know that there is a threat of punishment if they do not comply with the regulations. Meanwhile, the latest policy appeared starting November 2020 in the form of testing the pedestrian path along Malioboro, so that it became an area that was not allowed for motor vehicles to pass. This resulted in the turnover of traders in the Malioboro area decreasing by 20%. However, it has a positive impact on the environment, because the number of pollutants is expected to decrease. The preservation of the Philosophy Axis is expected to be able to improve the quality of green open space and increase the number of tourists and the welfare of traders.