Brutalism: The Socio-Political and Technological Effect on Postcolonial Modern Architecture in Indonesia

Abstract

Brutalism, as a style in modern architecture, escaped from the architectural critic’s attention in Indonesia. This is due to the lack of building architecture influenced by this style, as well as the difficulty of distinguishing this style from monumentalism in architecture in Indonesia. Its existence cannot be separated from the development of the Architectural industry in Indonesia. The cement factory - which is the main raw material of concrete - has an impact on infrastructure growth in Indonesia. The establishment of the first cement factory in the Netherlands Indies (Indonesia) as well as in Southeast Asia named NV Nederlandsch Indisch Portland Cement Maatschaapij (NV NIPCM) in 1910 is one of the starting point of industrial development and architectural technology in the country. During the Old Order period, cement was the main raw material for infrastructure development. In line with the vision of the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno, to build the character of a modern nation in the era of Guided Democracy (1957-1965), it must also be represented through the works of sturdy and durable monumental architecture. Meanwhile, during the New Order period, the development of Indonesian architecture was strongly influenced by the political condition and national stability, followed by the inclination to create Indonesian architectural identity with traditional concept. This paper attempts to discuss the link between modern architecture in Indonesia and Brutalism, in relation to the sociopolitical and technological aspects of the Old Order and the New Order. A Qualitative method that based on historical criticism was used to answer the question.