Revisiting Merti Kali Code in Yogyakarta as a Production of Cultural Space, Citizen Aesthetic Practice, and Collective Awareness

Mahdi Nurcahyo; Suastiwi; Mutia Nurdina; Vindriasih Mirdias

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI39.7697

Authors

Mahdi Nurcahyo Faculty of Visual Arts and Design, Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Suastiwi Faculty of Visual Arts and Design, Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Mutia Nurdina Faculty of Visual Arts and Design, Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Vindriasih Mirdias Faculty of Visual Arts and Design, Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI39.7697

Keywords:

Merti Kali, space production, citizen aesthetic practices, collective awareness raising

Abstract

Merti Kali Code (MKC) in Yogyakarta is a cultural practice deeply rooted in ecological and social awareness within an urban context. This qualitative-descriptive case study explores the significance of MKC for riverside communities and its broader implications for Yogyakarta’s urban landscape, with particular attention to the formation of cultural spaces, citizens’ aesthetic expressions, and the cultivation of collective environmental consciousness. Through visual documentation, experiential observation, literary analysis, and media-based sources, the study reveals that MKC not only strengthens community engagement but also fosters shared ecological reflection and a sense of place. These characteristics position MKC as a promising educational model for community-driven cultural initiatives and environmentally responsive urban practices.

References

Bhattacharya, S. (2020). Education as Empowerment: Review of Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Journal of Political Science Education, 16(3), 403–406. https://doi.org/10.1080/15512169.2019.1632715

Bishop, C. (2014). Criticism and Cooperation. Art Journal, 73(2), 116–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/00043249.2014.949523

Clifford, P., & Sudbury, A. (1973). A model for spatial conflict. Biometrika, 60(3), 581–588. https://doi.org/10.2307/2335008

Gruenewald, D. A. (2003). The Best of Both Worlds: A Critical Pedagogy of Place. Educational Researcher, 32(4), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X032004003

Harvey, D. (2019). Spaces of Capital. Spaces of Capital. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781474468954

Hawkins, M. (1996). Is Rukun Dead? Ethnographic Interpretations of Social Change and Javanese Culture. Australian Journal of Anthropology, 7(1), 218–234. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1835-9310.1996.tb00329.x

Lefebvre, H. (1991). The production of space. In the production of space. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203132357-14

Legino, R., Dafri, Y., Prasetyaningsih, Y. K., Septian, N., & Mutmainah, B. (2024). 8th Art, Craft and Design in Southeast Asia International Symposium, ARCADESA2024, ISI Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 27-28 Sep 2024. https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v9iSI23

Lufiani, A., Dafri, Ulriawan, & Syed Ahmad, S. M. F. (2024). Raising Environmental Awareness Through the Making of Craft-Based Object. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 9(SI23), 157–162. https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v9iSI23.6164

Massey, D., Research Group, H. G., Bond, S., & Featherstone, D. (2009). The possibilities of a politics of place beyond place? A conversation with doreen massey. Scottish Geographical Journal, 125(3–4), 401–420. https://doi.org/10.1080/14702540903364443

Meskimmon, M. (2010). Contemporary art and the cosmopolitan imagination. Contemporary Art and the Cosmopolitan Imagination, 1–119. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203846834

Murray Li, T. (2007). The will to improve. The will to improve: Governmentality, Development, and the Practice of Politics, 1–30.

Nugroho, M. D., & Nurcahyo, M. (2023). Ruang Kreatif sebagai Media Interaksi dan Ekspresi untuk Mendukung Pelestarian Budaya dan Pemberdaya Ekonomi Kreatif di Kelurahan Gunungketur Pakualaman Yogyakarta. Lintas Ruang: Jurnal Pengetahuan dan Perancangan Desain Interior, 11(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.24821/lintas.v11i1.9416

Raharjo, M. (2019). Interview and observation of Merti Kali Code activities RW 17 Brontokusuman.

Shiva, V. (2009). Book Review: Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability, and Peace. In International Quarterly of Community Health Education (Vol. 29, Nomor 1, hal. 101–102). https://doi.org/10.2190/iq.29.1.h

Sonobudoyo, M. (n.d.). Merti Code: Merawat Sungai Code dengan cinta dan harmoni alam. Museum Sonobudoyo. Diambil 28 Juni 2025, dari https://sonobudoyo.jogjaprov.go.id/id/tulisan/read/merti-code:-merawat-sungai-code-dengan-cinta-dan-harmoni-alam

Suastiwi, S. (2023). Tumbuh Berkelanjutan dan Guyub dengan Sumberdaya Lokal melalui Desain untuk Inovasi Sosial. http://digilib.isi.ac.id/id/eprint/15275%0Ahttp://digilib.isi.ac.id/15275/1/Pidato Ilmiah_2023_Prof. Dr. Suastiwi. M.Des..pdf

Suwahyunto, H. I., & Nurcahyo, M. (2025). Perancangan Ruang Publik Budaya di Bantaran (Daerah Aliran Sungai) Kampung Wisata Dewa Bronto Kota Yogyakarta. Lintas Ruang: Jurnal Pengetahuan dan Perancangan Desain Interior, 13(1), 36–42. https://doi.org/10.24821/lintas.v13i1.15117