The Commodification of Pilgrimage Tradition: An Ethnographic Study of Sunan Bonang Tomb Tuban

Over time, pilgrimage is perceived to be a part of tourism and recreational activities. Besides facilitating people to commemorate and pray for the ones inside the tomb, this tradition also opens up the local economic circulation. This study aimed to examine the idea of commodification of Sunan Bonang Tomb from sacred space to religious tourism. It is grounded on a series of field studies from September 2022 to January 2023 in which researchers observed pilgrimage ritual activities at Sunan Bonang Tomb, Tuban, Indonesia interviewed 17 pilgrims and 9 key informants - the administrators of the Sunan Bonang Mabarrot Foundation, religious and community leaders, artists or cultural observers, and representatives of the Tuban Regency government- and reviewed old archives, published articles, and books. It employed an ethnographic study. The study found that the commodification of Sunan Bonang Tomb reflected changes in people's views and attitudes towards pilgrimage traditions. The pilgrimage used to be performed for respect and devotion to the ancestors and holy places, yet now it has become a religious tourist attraction for commercial purposes and public tourism. Commodification does not necessarily happen the way it is but is supported by some stakeholders, such as foundations, governments, religious leaders, investors, and local communities. Although the commodification promises economic benefits to the local area, it is necessary to preserve the sacred and cultural values attached to the tomb.