Pendopo

Pendopo Istana Utama, Keraton Yogyakarta

A Pendopo or Pendapa is a fundamental element of Javanese architecture; a large pavilion-like structure built on columns. Either square or rectangular in plan, it is open on all sides and provides shelter from the sun and rain, but allows breeze and indirect light. The word pendopo is a variant on the Sanskrit word mandapa ('hall'). The Dutch writer Multatuli in his colonial reformist novel Max Havelaar described the pendopo as "next to a broad-rimmed hat, an umbrella or a hollow tree, a pendopo is undoubtedly the simplest representation there is of the concept of 'roof'".

Derived from ancient Javanese architectural elements, pendopo are common ritual spaces primarily intended for ceremony, and also for a variety of purposes such as receiving guests in the compounds of wealthy Javanese, and even as cottage industry work spaces.

The oldest surviving images of ancient Java vernacular architecture appears in Borobudur reliefs, among others the stepped roof type pendopo. They once sheltered the institutions of ancient Javanese kingdoms, such as law courts, clergy, palaces, and for public appearances of the king and his ministers. In 9th century Ratu Boko complex near Prambanan, there is traces of square elevated stone bases with umpaks, stones with hole to put wooden pillars on it. The similar structures also can be found in 14th century Trowulan dated from Majapahit era, where square brick bases with umpak stones suggest that some pendopos once stood there. Because the pillars and the roof was made from wooden organic material, no trace of the pendopo roof remains. The pendopo with faithful Majapahit brick-base style can be found in 16th century Kraton Kasepuhan, Cirebon, as well as 17th century Kota Gede, Yogyakarta. These evidences suggests that the design has not changed much for over a millennia.

They remain fundamental components of Javanese kraton ('palaces') with European influences often being incorporated since the 18th century. The majority of pendopo are constructed from timber but masonry versions are in existence such as used in the Kraton Kanoman in Cirebon. Wealthy modern day home builders, in attempting to design homes that draw on traditional Javanese experience of space, have dismantle, transported and re-assembled pendopo forming modern-traditional hybrid homes.

sources of the article : wikipedia
photo source :  flickr

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Istana Negara Gedung Agung Yogyakarta

Istana Negara Gedung Agung Yogyakarta 1901

Istana Yogyakarta, known as Gedung Agung, lies in the heart of the city, on the southward of Jalan Akhmad Yani. The state palace is located on Ngupasan, sub district Gondomanan, Yogyakarta,

The main building of this palace was built on May 1824 by Anthony Hendriks Smissaerat, the Residency of Yogyakarta o the 18 (1823 - 1825). He was the man who insisted to create an elegant palace for the Dutch residences. Its architect was A Payen.

Because of the war of Diponegoro or known as the war of Java (1825-1830), its development was delayed. Later on 1832, its establishment was finished. On June 10, 1867, this Dutch residence was destroyed by the earthquake. The new building that became the main building of this complex was built in 1869. It is now recognized as the State Building.

Istana Negara Gedung Agung Yogyakarta

On December 19, 1927, the regional status of Yogyakarta as karesidenan was changed into province where a Governor as the leader.

On January 6, 1946, Yogyakarta was chosen as the capital city of the young Indonesia. This building was used as the President palace, the residence of President Soekarno and family. The vice President Mohammad Hatta lived in a building that recently is office of Korem 072/Pamungkas. Since that time, this palace became the history witness of many great events during the establishment of Indonesia. One of the greatest events was the inauguration of General Sudirman as the Great General of TNI on June 3, 1947.

On December 19, 1948, Yogyakarta was attacked by the Dutch under the command of General Spoor. President, vice President were isolated to the outsideof Java and returned on July 6, 1949.

Since Desember 28, 1949, when President moved to Jakarta, this palace was no longer used as the residence of President.

The palace of Yogyakarta or Gedung Agung, is the same as the palace of President. It also used as a place to welcome the guests of state. Since August 17, 1991, this palace was used to commemorate the seconds of Independence Day and the Twilight Parade every 17 since April 17, 1988.

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