Indonesian Architecture: Rumah Adat

• Indonesian architecture is incredibly diverse.
• It embodies the nation's rich cultural, historical, and geographical tapestry.
• The architecture ranges from traditional houses to modern city structures.

Traditional Vernacular Architecture

• Vernacular architecture adapts to different regions, environments, materials, and cultures.
• These traditional houses are known as "rumah adat," or customary houses.

Examples of Rumah Adat: Rumah Kebaya

• Rumah Kebaya is a traditional Betawi house.
• It has a roof resembling a fold of a Kebaya dress.
• The house features a wide terrace designed for relaxation and welcoming guests.

Examples of Rumah Adat: Tongkonan

• Tongkonan is the traditional ancestral house of the Torajan people in South Sulawesi.
• The house is built on piles.
• Tongkonan houses have a distinctive boat-shaped roof.

Examples of Rumah Adat: Bolon

• Bolon is a traditional house of the Batak people in North Sumatra.
• The houses have a steeply sloping roof.
• Wooden supporting poles are placed under the floor.
• The exterior walls are adorned with ornaments to repel evil spirits.

Examples of Rumah Adat: Rumah Melayu

• Rumah Melayu is the traditional house of the Malays.
• The Malays are an ethno-linguistic group residing in Sumatra, coastal Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula.

Hindu-Buddhist Influence (8th–15th Century)

• Stone temples (candi) were built, displaying detailed craftsmanship during the era of strong Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms.

Notable Hindu-Buddhist Structures: Borobudur

• Borobudur, located in Central Java and built in the 9th century.
• It's the world’s largest Buddhist stupa, constructed in a mandala structure.
• Borobudur features over 2,600 relief panels depicting Buddhist teachings.
• The site symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Notable Hindu-Buddhist Structures: Prambanan

• Prambanan, located in Central Java and built in the 9th century.
• It is a towering Hindu temple complex dedicated to Shiva.
• Prambanan features tall, pointed structures known as shikharas.
• Carvings on the temple illustrate the story of the Ramayana.

Notable Hindu-Buddhist Structures: Candi Sukuh & Candi Cetho

• Candi Sukuh & Candi Cetho were built in the Majapahit era, East Java.
• The temples feature a unique stepped pyramid design influenced by Javanese animism.
• They are less rigid compared to classical Indian temple styles.

Islamic Influence (15th Century–Present)

• Mosques were initially built incorporating Javanese and Hindu-Buddhist influences.
• Middle Eastern and Ottoman styles were later adopted.

Traditional Javanese Mosques: Demak Great Mosque

• The Demak Great Mosque was built in the 15th Century, in Central Java.
• It features a multi-tiered wooden roof replacing the traditional dome.
• This is combined with Hindu-Buddhist architectural elements, like stylized carvings.

Traditional Javanese Mosques: Great Mosque of Banten

• The Great Mosque of Banten is a blend of Javanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences.
• It features a pagoda-like minaret instead of a traditional tower.

Colonial Influence (16th–20th Century)

• European powers, especially the Dutch, brought neoclassical, Gothic, and Art Deco styles to Indonesia.

Dutch Colonial Architecture: Indies Style (17th–19th Century)

• Indies Style was adapted to the tropical climate with high ceilings, wide verandas, and large windows.
• These buildings were often government buildings and elite residences.

Dutch Colonial Architecture: Art Deco (1920s–1930s)

• Bandung is known as the "Art Deco capital of Indonesia".
• Gedung Sate (1920) is an example, featuring a blend of Dutch and Javanese elements.

Colonial Influence: Neoclassical & Gothic Styles

• Jakarta Cathedral is in Neo-Gothic style.
• Lawang Sewu (Semarang) was the Dutch railway headquarters. It features intricate stained glass.

Conclusion

• Indonesian architecture is a blend of traditions, religious and colonial influences, and modern innovations.
• It continues to evolve while maintaining its cultural identity.