Spatial-temporal study of gentrification phenomena on the Western Flank of Lawu Volcano, Tawangmangu, Indonesia

Abstract Urban development often drives gentrification, impacting various aspects of a region’s development, particularly its physical landscape. One notable effect of gentrification is land-use change. This study aims to examine the process of gentrification in the Western Flank of Lawu Volcano, especially in Tawangmangu District, Karanganyar Regency, focusing on land-use changes in the Bukit Sekipan area and along the Lawu Alternative Route between 2012 and 2022. A descriptive qualitative method combined with a spatial-temporal approach was employed to assess the impacts of gentrification on land use. Data were analyzed using satellite imagery, complemented by field observations and semi-structured interviews with local residents for validation. The findings indicate that gentrification along the Lawu Alternative Route has led to the conversion of vegetable farming land into built-up areas, such as food stalls, cafes, and restaurants, predominantly owned by local residents. This transformation has positively impacted the local economy by creating employment opportunities. In contrast, land use in the Bukit Sekipan area has shifted from agricultural land to villas and lodgings, primarily owned by migrant groups. These contrasting trends highlight differences in local communities’ capacity to adapt to gentrification. Overall, gentrification in Tawangmangu has not resulted in significant marginalization or displacement of local communities by migrant groups .