EXPLORING CULTURAL COMMODITY IN RELIGIOUS TOUR OF MOUNT KAWI

Abstract

Mount Kawi is a mountain believed to have supernatural powers. By the existence of Imam Soedjono and Eyang Djugo as historical figures, pilgrims often come to pray in search of blessings. Pilgrims coming to Mount Kawi are not only Javanese but also Chinese. The presence of the ethnic Chinese community influences the cultural distinction in the site. A large number of visitors coming to Mount Kawi brings several shifting elements. To attract the attention of pilgrims, the locals create religious-cultural tourism in Mount Kawi as a compelling attraction. The shift plays a serious impact on the socio-cultural dimension. This appealing creativity serves as a commodity for the tourist. Cultural commodity in religious tourism is supported by the interests of the authorities. Thus, the purpose of this study is to reveal the emergence of commodification in Mount Kawi. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method to describe the causes of commodification. The data are obtained from the field, observation, and interviews through informants. The narrative is employed instead of numeric data thus the data are organized, classified, and criticized. Hence, to reveal the cultural commodities in Mount Kawi, the commodification theory and hegemony are applied.