In the period of August 12-October 13, 2024, UI Creates 2024 held a program that brought together 12 students from two countries with one of Indonesia’s rich architectural heritage that is rich in historical and cultural values. Titled Expedition to Indonesian Architecture, this program invites students from Rangsit University, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, Norton University, and Western University, Cambodia to learn more about Indonesian architecture through direct visits to several architectural and cultural objects in Indonesia.
Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, an architectural expert from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), the participants gained an in-depth understanding of the history, construction techniques, and philosophical meanings behind traditional Indonesian houses. One of the highlights of the program is the nailless construction technique, which reflects the harmony between humans and nature. Prof. Kemas emphasized, “This building is not just a house; It is the embodiment of the community life philosophy where mutual cooperation and mutual respect are the main foundation in building and socializing.”
Students are also invited to understand the symbolism contained in traditional house design, such as a boat-shaped roof that symbolizes the journey of life, as well as the orientation of the house that follows the road path as a form of attachment of the village community to its environment. This expedition gives participants the opportunity to see firsthand how Indonesian cultural values and traditions are manifested in the form of architecture that remains sustainable today.
Cultural visits also provide a deeper experience of how architecture is not only as a physical building, but also as a means to preserve cultural identity and communal values. One of the participating students, Supicha Din from Thailand, said, “I never imagined that architecture could be so closely related to the history and life of the community. This experience opened my eyes to the richness of Indonesian culture.”
Prof. Dr. Heri Hermansyah, Dean of FTUI, expressed his pride in this initiative, “This program not only increases appreciation for Indonesia’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, but also encourages the exchange of knowledge and values globally. This is a tangible testament to how culture, nature, and people collaborate to create a sustainable legacy.”
In addition to learning about vernacular architecture in Indonesia, students also visited colonial and post-independence architectural objects in Indonesia, such as in Jakarta Old Town, Banteng Field Area, Bandung City, as well as Monas and Medan Merdeka Jakarta Area. Through UI Creates 2024, participants understand that Indonesian architecture is a tangible manifestation of the close relationship between history, tradition, and society that has been intertwined for centuries. This program emphasizes the importance of preserving architecture as part of the nation’s identity.
For international students, UI Creates 2024 not only offers architectural insights, but also enriches their understanding of how culture, nature, and society work together to create a sustainable heritage. Through this journey, they discovered that vernacular architecture is not just a building—but a living testimony to the interconnectedness of history, community, and the environment.
The UI Creates 2024 program ended with a final presentation activity which was held on October 12, 2024 at the Smartroom, FTUI Dean Building. In this activity, students explained their understanding of the richness of Indonesian architecture which has distinctive building characteristics in each era. The results of student exploration will later be displayed in an exhibition open to the public.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
