The Space at Soekarno Street and Siliwangi Sreet in the Kota Lama
Kupang area has existed since the establishment of Kupang city.
Since then, this space has developed into a trading area and played
important role as economic and social interaction instrument in the
life of the people. The long-lasting activities and usage of the space
by users, especially by the informal and formal traders indicate how
they give meaning to the space. Finding the meaning of street space
of Kota Lama will be benefitial in encouraging development
sustainability and in contributing thoughts to the parties responsible
for the continuing life at Kota Lama Kupang. The aim of this
research was to find out the meanings of street space of Soekarno
and Siliwangi Streets at Kota Lama Kupang and the underlying
terms according to the space users of informal and formal sellers.
The research employed qualitative approach with inductive analysis
method. The informants were 24 informal sellers and four formal
sellers who have been at the space for more than 15 years. The
finding of the research was the depth knowledge about the meaning
of space according to the informal and formal sellers and the
concept underlying their existence. There were two concepts of
meanings of the space found, namely living survival and local life
unity (community). Both concepts were supported by six themes,
namely theme of economy, kinship, togetherness, bonding with the
place, gender and annual event. It was concluded that the meaning
of Space Street at Kota Lama Kupang was categorized as local
meaning.