POTENSI BUDAYA BAHARI SEBAGAI LANDASAN UNTUK REVITALISASI KOTA PELABUHAN DI KABUPATEN JEPARA

Abstract

This paper will analyze the maritime cultural potential of Jepara as an important consideration to revitalize the port city. This research used historical method approach and oral history through some interviews to the fisherman of Jepara. The result of this research shows that Jepara had developed as the great maritime empire in the 16th century under the authority of strong Queen, Ratu Kalinyamat. Jepara became the famous port, where many merchants from around the world stopped by and interacted with the local people. Therefore, Jepara developed with complex cultural assets, such as historical sites, i.e. Ratu Kalinyamat grave, Mantingan mosque, VOC fortress, Portuguese fortress, and Kartini Museum, where numerous historical artifacts are preserved. Jepara has also traditional values knowledge system, which has close connected with maritime live as reflected in traditional ceremonies such as “sedekah laut” or “lomban” ceremony. Recently, to socialize the maritime cultural values, Kartini and Bandengan Beach are promoted as the maritime tourism objects in Jepara.

Key Words: maritime culture, historical sites, traditional ceremony.