Cities, especially the ancient cities whose civilization relies on trade forces and political interests will generally develop according to the decisions of the leaders. Kupang is an ancient city that has undergone civilization since the 12th century and becomes a central town of sandalwood trade in addition to 12 other ports in Timor Island The historical journey of Kupang was characterized by various interests of power, from the formation of traditional village to colonial-style government. The leader as the main character plays an important role in each physical space changed according to the political power that he held. Changes in space are very typical of the ongoing power. This research aims to discuss and study in-depth about the change of space as the impact of political power in Kupang Old Town, using diachronic analysis techniques, sourced from primary and secondary data based on Kupang’s Old Town spatial change history. The results show that the power in each period of history affects the formation of spaces including the determination of the city center to place naming.

Keywords : Diachronic Analysis; History; Kupang Old Town; Political Power; Spatial Change.