What you need to know about
Indonesian architecture today is how to apply culture or customs to new
buildings appropriately and how Indonesian architectural identity will be in
the future. These questions are based on the existence of traditional
architecture which is a means for humans to carry out various activities in
their lives. This activity can continue until the future, such as gathering
together. In this day and age, there is indeed social media that makes people
able to discuss remotely. However, the desire to meet directly made them still
want to gather together in a place. In addition to meeting directly, there are
other things that must be done in one place, such as eating together, doing
something that must be done with cooperation, and so on. Therefore, I gave an
example of the use of buildings for this purpose, for example the designation
of Pendapa Peradaban (Civilization Pavilion) which was part of the
Betterpad-Ray (Benteng Terpadu Raya / Great Integrated Fortress) model. Pendapa
or a type of Pavilion in Indonesia has been used since ancient times as a
gathering place and deliberation. The position of the Pendapa which is usually
in front of the house and is open makes people easily enter it and interact
with others without disturbing the privacy of the homeowner.
Pendapa Peradaban (Civilization Pavilion)
Traditional architecture can show
the cultural identity of a region. So, pendapa, which has a large size, a floor
without chairs, and is open, shows that Indonesians like to discuss and
interact with manners. Sitting cross-legged in pendapa is one form of courtesy
in Indonesian society, especially Java. But especially nowadays, pendapa
provides seats for interested people and does not sit cross-legged anymore.
This can actually be adjusted to the wishes of the pendapa owner. It is
recognized that traditional Indonesian architecture is motivated by ethnic
culture that has developed through various periods of time. Pendapa on the
island of Java still remains in use today, especially in government offices and
large homes that maintain Javanese culture. The existence of the pendapas is
adapted to the times. For example the simplest, pendapa has used electric
lights. Then in government offices, the back of the pendapa is not always open,
but it has been given a back wall (like a screen, to put up banners about the
event) and a stage higher than the other floors.
Efforts to research traditional
architecture have actually been done for a long time before this modern era,
for example research on historical buildings of the Hindu-Buddhist era, and the
beginning of the Islamic era. But this is written in Dutch or other European nations
and is stored in museum libraries in Indonesia and especially the Netherlands.
Many experts from Europe who have studied Indonesian culture first especially
in the field of architecture vigorously and thoroughly. For example, Thomas
Stamford Raffles has made a book "History of Java" which essentially
discusses Javanese culture, although it is not specific in terms of
architecture according to the theme of this article. The book has also been
translated into Indonesian and can be found in libraries. In fact, several
temples in Indonesia were found by outsiders. In essence, this should be able
to spur the Indonesian people to preserve and learn their own culture even
though at first they also had to use references from abroad. If foreign people
can, why can't the Indonesian people do it? Indonesian people who should
examine their own culture, especially architecture. Do not let a nation have to
learn its own culture abroad.
Shahada Mosque (Masjid Syahadat) with tajug roof
Even though there are opinions from
experts, especially overseas, it is not necessarily in accordance with the
present, but can be used as a reference for the Indonesian people to seek the
identity of Indonesian Architecture. Maybe there are already Indonesian people
who master Dutch and have translated these writings. I myself only graduated
from senior high school and did not go to college and actually did not know the
complete references about architecture. But I hope that the writings that have
been successfully translated and the notes from the Indonesian people about
Indonesian culture are not wasted. There must be a genuine movement to learn
it. Although only in the form of design, I hope that the design of the
Betterpad-Ray Main Building can be used as a means to study the nation's
culture and civilization.
Betterpad-Ray Main Building
This is the explanation of the
article about the Betterpad-Ray (Benteng Terpadu Raya / Great Integrated
Fortress) model design. God willing, it can be realized. Aamiin.
Reference:
·
Prof.
Ir. Eko Budihardjo, M.Sc. Jati Diri Arsitektur Indonesia. 1997. Bandung:
Penerbit Alumni. *Including from
Prof.Ir.Sidharta, as stated in the reference book. (https://archive.org/stream/BukuArsitektur/1140_Jati%20Diri%20Arsitektur%20Indonesia#page/n1/mode/2up)
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