Revealing the Paradox of a Heritage City Through Community Perception Approach: A Case Study of Parakan, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Parakan is a small city in Central Java, Indonesia. As a part of a region in Temanggung District, it has been designated a heritage city since December 2015 by the Central Government. It has a uniqueness, with both a tangible and intangible heritage. There is an extensive cultural heritage within the city, which represents its history. The research reveals the paradox of Parakan as a heritage city, which relates to delivering the process of conservation and preservation, which still faces many issues regarding community needs. The research method was quantitative, with use of a statistical approach to show the data from the perception of the community. The questionnaires for 300 respondents have been distributed by using Google Forms and have been collected 270 feedbacks from respondents. The paper obtains results using a descriptive narrative approach to describe the statistical data. In conclusion, we recommend that to reduce opposition, the local government of Parakan should deliver an initiative such as workshops or forum group discussions to encourage the local community to enhance their knowledge of cultural heritage, conservation and their willingness to conserve and preserve. Also, local government needs to involve local community in any activities in relate to conservation and preservation.