Selokan Mataram in Yogyakarta as a cultural landscape: Heritage values and pressures

Abstract

Selokan Mataram, a 31.2 km irrigation canal linking Opak and Progo Rivers in the Province of Yogyakarta, initiated and built by Sultan HB IX during the Japanese Occupation, has essential historical values and cultural heritage. It was built to provide water for agricultural activities in the area. At the moment, however, the Selokan Mataram is under the pressure of urbanization and rapid development. Such pressures are threatening its heritage values. This paper aims to examine Selokan Mataram from a cultural landscape perspective, examine the values of its cultural heritage, and document the pressures, threats, and efforts that the government has undertaken to preserve it. This research uses a case study approach, where data and information are obtained through secondary data, field observation, and interviews with multiple sources. The research argues that Selokan Mataram is a 'cultural landscape' that is important to Yogyakarta. It has and fulfills important values to be registered as a cultural heritage. At the same time, as one crucial cultural landscape, Selokan Mataram and the surrounding area is threatened by the rapid development of the city where the local government is not fully able to manage and control it. This research recommends that Selokan Mataram should be declared as a cultural heritage area, so that efforts can be further supported and strengthened to preserve it.