JAVANESE ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE: ADOPTION AND ADAPTATION OF JAVANESE AND HINDU-BUDDHIST CULTURES IN INDONESIA

Noor Cholis Idham

doi:10.3846/jau.2021.13709

Abstract

Javanese Islamic architecture appears to be highly influenced by previous cultures, even though Islam has brought a new civilisation since the 13th century in Indonesia. The classical mosques and houses seem to follow Javanese and Hindu-Buddhist principles in their buildings, elements and spatial arrangements. This paper examines how the Javanese adapted their architecture to meet Islamic values while preserving their previous traditions. The concept of architectural synchronisation in Javanese architecture is examined from the traces observed in the temple dioramas, depictions of contemporary cultural products, and several traditional buildings. The adoptions and adaptations that appear in some significant objects such as old mosques and houses are traced back to previous transformation principles. Architectural harmonisation for new needs seemingly bases on religion as the most potent driving aspect. However, what is interesting is that in the case of Java, embracing a new religion does not mean forgetting existing traditions. On the other hand, the principle of acculturation has created a peaceful transition in architecture. Some evidence suggests that Javanese high culture, such as the classical grand mosque and the joglo house, succeeded in translating Javanese and Hindu-Buddhist ideas into Islamic architecture in very distinctive ways.

Highlights

IntroductionAbout 40 per cent of Indonesians are Javanese, living in Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java
About 40 per cent of Indonesians are Javanese, living in Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java. Before they converted to Islam, Javanism or Kejawen, Hinduism and Buddhism were common religions until the 13th century
To distinguish the most influencing factors in architecture development between Javanism, Hindu-Buddhism, and Islam, we investigate some of the hidden signs laid in some crucial objects to reveal the relationship

Summary

Introduction

About 40 per cent of Indonesians are Javanese, living in Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java Before they converted to Islam, Javanism or Kejawen, Hinduism and Buddhism were common religions until the 13th century. The distinctive feature of Islam in Java, which is unique and different from “formal” teachings, gave birth to “Javanese Islam” (Boogert, 2015). It could not eliminate Javanism and Hinduism-Buddhism, including using their architecture ideas (Prijotomo, 1988). Javanese Islamic architecture: adoption and adaptation of Javanese and Hindu-Buddhist cultures. Assessments of old buildings depicted in several artefacts, such as house figures on the classical temple’s stone carvings or dioramas, and house illustration on wayang are meaningful

Islam penetration in Java

Architectural acculturation

The early mosques and their architectural acculturation

Javanese houses as part of Islamic architectural synchronisation in Java

Findings

Conclusions