Speculation from below: how temporal market sustains local heritage in Indonesia’s desakota region

Urban research in the Global South often prioritizes metropolitan areas, overlooking peri-urban dynamics. This paper examines the desakota phenomenon in Indonesia, focusing on Barongan Market in Jombang, near Surabaya. It explores how this temporary market fosters “speculation from below” to sustain local heritage.Using ethnographic methods—participant observation and semi-structured interviews—this study examines collaboration between the community, village government, and university in supporting Barongan Market as a hub for cultural and economic exchange. Three lenses—speculative urbanism, temporary urbanism, and local heritage—frame the analysis.Findings reveal that Barongan Market thrives through transformative collaboration driven by speculative and temporary interventions centered on local heritage. Universities act as key catalysts, but continuous evaluation is needed to enhance long-term community autonomy. This study offers insight into speculative urbanism from below, showing how grassroots initiatives challenge capital-driven urban models by creating temporary spaces that integrate economy and heritage.