Commodification of Traditional Open Spaces as a Commodity and the Consequent Damage of Environmental Ethics (Case Study in Ubud Village Bali Indonesia)

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the phenomenon of commodification of traditional open space into commodities which results in the destruction of environmental ethics. Environmental ethics places restrictions on freedom in exercising ownership rights and pay s more attention to ethical obligations to the environment. The anthropocentric approach should be avoided because it only sees the environment from its commercial angles to satisfy human interests. This research critically describes the reality of the utilization of traditional open spaces in Ubud to become an economic space. The rapid influence of global culture has implications for the practices of capitalist culture within the frame of the tourism industry, resulting in cultural industries, popular culture, hedonic lifestyles and consumerism. This study used a qualitative method. The data was obtained through observation, interviews, literature studies, and documents. The results of the study revealed how traditional open spaces were produced, distributed and consumed by the market. Traditional open spaces were commercialized, traded like goods and services. Traditional open spaces, such as paddy fields, cliffs, telajakan (front part of the house complex), city parks, domestic properties, backyards, cemeteries have been turned into economic spaces to satisfy the taste of tourists. Space is controlled and commodified by capital owners to feed their economic libido while disobeying environmental ethics.