Optimizing Horticultur Commodity-Based Spatial Interactions in West Timor, Indonesia

This study aimed to analyze: (1) the causes of spatial interaction between the regencies in West Timor based on horticultural commodities, (2) the existing and optimizing benefits of spatial interactions between the regencies in West Timor based on horticultural commodities.The research was conducted in 5 regencies on Timor Island namely Kupang, TTS, TTU, Belu, and Malaka at wholesale markets which were determined purposive and snowball for traders.Purposive sampling with the criteria of traders who market horticultural products to 4 other districts in West Timor, followed by a snowball to trace traders who provide the intended horticultural products to the destination market.Data analysis uses gravity analysis, and the shortest path multi-object optimization model.The results showed that the variables of cost, population, price, and GDP had a significant effect on spatial interactions; while the transport capacity had no significant effect on spatial interactions.The total benefit of spatial interaction between the regencies in West Timor is IDR 1,055,467,000.-.The benefit of spatial interaction will increase by 65.60% to IDR 1,747,888,918,000.-.Therefore, interactions between regions must pay attention to the number of requests, selling prices, and transportation costs in order to maximize benefits.These findings are useful for policy makers and horticultural traders in determining the number of horticultural commodities marketed at each destination market in 4 districts in West Timor that provide optimum profits.