Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, an architectural expert from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), participants deeply understood the history, construction techniques, and philosophical meaning behind traditional Indonesian houses. One program highlight was the nail-less construction technique, which symbolizes harmony between humans and nature. Prof. Kemas emphasized, “These buildings are not just houses; they embody the community’s philosophy of life, where cooperation and respect are the foundation of building and living together.”
Students were also invited to understand the symbolism within traditional house designs, such as boat-shaped roofs symbolizing the journey of life, and houses oriented along pathways to reflect the villagers’ connection to their environment. This expedition allowed participants to see firsthand how Indonesian cultural and traditional values are manifested in architectural forms that have been preserved to this day.
Cultural visits also provided deeper insights into how architecture is not just a physical structure, but also a medium for preserving cultural identity and communal values. One participant, Supicha Din from Thailand, expressed, “I never imagined that architecture could be so closely related to history and community life. This experience opened my eyes to the richness of Indonesian culture.”
Prof. Dr. Heri Hermansyah, Dean of FTUI, expressed his pride in the initiative, saying, “This program not only enhances appreciation for Indonesia’s rich cultural and architectural heritage but also promotes global exchange of knowledge and values. It is a real testament to how culture, nature, and society collaborate to create a sustainable legacy.”
In addition to learning about Indonesia’s vernacular architecture, the students also visited colonial and post-independence architectural sites, such as Jakarta’s Kota Tua (Old Town), the Lapangan Banteng area, Bandung City, as well as Monas and Medan Merdeka Square in Jakarta. Through UI Creates 2024, participants learned that Indonesian architecture is a tangible representation of the close relationship between history, tradition, and society, which has been intertwined for centuries. The program emphasized the importance of preserving architecture as part of the nation’s identity.
For international students, UI Creates 2024 not only offered architectural insights but also enriched their understanding of how culture, nature, and society work together to create a lasting legacy. Through this journey, they discovered that vernacular architecture is not just about buildings—it is a living testament to the interconnections of history, community, and the environment.
The UI Creates 2024 program concluded with a final presentation on October 12, 2024, held in the Smartroom, FTUI Dean Building. In this session, students presented their understanding of Indonesia’s architectural wealth, characterized by distinctive building styles across different eras. The results of the students’ exploration will be displayed in a public exhibition.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
