VISUAL POLLUTION IN PUBLIC SPACES: BETWEEN ECONOMIC, POLITICAL, AND THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO AESTHETICS
Keywords:
visual pollution, public space, economy, politics, aestheticsAbstract
The city of Denpasar is currently facing a massive phenomenon of visual pollution due to the haphazard placement of outdoor media such as billboards, banners, and signs, creating a sense of visual pollution in public spaces. This situation creates a paradox regarding Denpasar’s vision as a Culture-Based Creative City and the principles of the Sapta Pesona tourism framework. This study aims to uncover the forms and causal factors of visual pollution and analyze its impact on urban aesthetics, public safety, and the cultural identity of the community. Using a critical qualitative method, the research was conducted through field observations at strategic locations such as Jalan Teuku Umar and semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders. The results indicate that visual pollution is driven by the dominance of economic interests aimed at increasing Local Revenue (PAD) and political interests that often disregard regulations and spatial aesthetics. The resulting impacts include a decline in residents’ psychological comfort, physical hazards from structurally unsound constructions, and visual hegemony that obscures local cultural symbols. This article contributes scientifically by providing a multidisciplinary analysis of the tension between regulations and field practices, as well as offering policy recommendations to ensure that the arrangement of outdoor media aligns with the principles of Tri Hita Karana and the identity of the City of Culture.
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