Portal:Indonesia/AOTW/2, 2007

Indonesian architecture reflects the same diversity of cultural, historical, and geographic influences that have shaped Indonesia as a whole. Traditionally, the most significant foreign architectural influences have been Indian, but included Chinese and Arab, and more recently European influences which have been important since the 18th & 19th centuries. The second Kingdom of Mataram built the Prambanan complex near Yogyakarta, the largest and finest example of Hindu architecture in Java. The Buddhist monument Borobudur was built by the Sailendra Dynasty between 750 and 850 AD.

Rumah adat are the distinctive style of traditional housing unique to each ethnic groups in Indonesia. Built by peoples with a common Austronesian ancestry, the homes share a number of characteristics such as timber construction, varied and elaborate roof structures, and pile and beam construction that take the load straight to the ground. Steeply inclined roofs are built, allowing tropical rain downpours to quickly sheet off, and large overhanging eaves keep water out of house and provide shade in the heat.

Although colonial homes were almost always the preserve of the wealthy Dutch, Indonesian and Chinese elites, and colonial buildings in general are unavoidable linked with the human suffering of colonialism, the styles were often rich and creative combinations from two cultures, so much so that the homes remain sought after into 21st century. (Read more...)