How is the architecture life in Semarang in the East Indies between 1870 to

1905?
Eduard Lorenzo Matindas
1306437510

Being the center of Dutch rule in Central Java, Semarang became one of the cities
that the Dutch upholds in high regard. Thus it is only apparent how their architecture reflect
their high regard in the region. Many buildings in and around the Old Town of Semarang
reflect the kind of mentality that the Dutch people had during the period of their occupancy.
However in the period of 1870-1905, social upheaval, modernization, and increasing
understanding of the climate in Semarang was a period of architecture instability, change,
and overall adaptation to Indonesia’s tropical climate.
Social upheaval and modernization of course are interrelated because in a way they
support and mimick each other and are also an expansion of one another. Increasing need
for housing for example would lead to the demand for more housing which in addition with
the incompatible urban structure of the city would lead to changes in the overall structure
of Semarang. Initially the development of Kota Lama Semarang, or Old Town Semarang,
which at the time was called the Europeeshe Buurt(1) which is structurally and
architecturally refer to the concept of city development in Europe (1), was sufficient to
grant them te space they think they needed. Architecturally however, they also adopted
several Javanese cosmological principles(1). However as time progresses as the city
developed over time, the Dutch community realized that this model of the city was not
sufficient enough to handle the population boom in the city. Thus the Vijfhoek fortress
(once built for defense purposes) was destroyed to rebuilt a new one that surrounded the
Old Town(1) . This is the reason why this part of the city is called Little Netherland. (1)
Thus it can be seen through social upheaval and modernization and its proportional
increase with population how the Old Town in Semarang must evolve and adapt with
existing conditions.
Additionally, its original architectural design when it comes to space arrangement
and its style also adapted to the realization and modernization of Semarang. For example
when it comes to Marba Building, which is short for Marta Badjunet (2) its space
arrangement and facade very much is influence by te old European style, yet however its
roof and canopy is how in a way they have adapted to their own style. Since European
countries are four seasons countries, which snows sometimes, and our country is a two
season country with rain, the connection and realization did not come for a long time for
Europeans in a tropical climate. Thus Marba Building is an example of the success of the
adaptation of traditional Dutch architectural style into a more modern architectural style. A
form of coping mechanism to the inherently demanding elements of traditional Dutch
architecture.
Thus it can be seen how in the period of 1870 until 1905, it was a period of great
positive instability, which resulted in a unique and very culturally and geographically
specific architectural life.
Sources:
1. http://oenssemarangfoundation.com/12-about-semarang-old-town/
2. http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/04/13/old-town-semarang-withstands-test-
time.html