Indonesia as a country that is that is rich in culture and rich in history, is an architecture gem dubbed”the “shophouse.” These buildings, which are an amalgamation of commercial and residential spaces, have been an integral part of Indonesian urban areas for a long time especially in the bustling cities and trade centers. When you stroll along the streets of towns such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Malacca and Malacca, you’ll see distinctive facades of shophouses. Each tells an account of Indonesia’s Colonial past, its trading heritage, and the bustling daily life of its inhabitants.
Shophouses located in Indonesia are not just structures and are an ode to Indonesia’s melting pot. In the early colonial period and inspired by European, Chinese, and indigenous Indonesian architecture styles. It is apparent in their style: generally up to three stories Shophouses have a store at ground level to accommodate business as well as living spaces over. The exterior of these buildings usually showcases intricate Chinese tiles, columns in European style as well as Indonesian wood carvings. They reflect the many influences that have formed them.
The practicality of shophouses is one of the main factors for their long-lasting presence. They are designed to be suitable for the humid climate the majority of shophouses come with courtyards within, tall ceilings, as well as long, slim layouts designed to encourage ventilation and give some relief from the hot. The floor below, which opens onto the bustling streets, functions as an area of commercial and other activities. It is a hub of every day hustle and bustle of local business and the higher floors provide a sanctuary for families. This style reflects the Indonesian lifestyle that sees family and work are often combined, and distinctions between private and public spaces can be blurred.
The experience of walking through a neighbourhood with shops can be like walking into the living museum of each structure telling the story of Indonesia’s past. In towns like Semarang and Surabaya the ruko form a large an integral part of the town’s structure, forming a reminder from the bustling markets which they used to be. A lot of them still remain operational and have been handed over generations. While some have been restored for use as boutiques, galleries and cafes which offer glimpses of the past, while also continuing to function as a vital part of the contemporary city.
The survival of these treasures in architecture cannot be guaranteed. Rapid growth and modernization threaten shops, and many are removed to make room to build new structures. In recognition of their historical and cultural importance, efforts to conserve them have been initiated in different cities. The goal is to save shops, not just for their architectural beauty, but as integral parts of Indonesia’s history and culture. Through the restoration and reuse of these structures, the communities are hoping to preserve the spirit of shophouses for the future generation.
The shops of Indonesia are not just an architectural gimmick and are also a vital and a living piece of the country’s story. They are a source of stories about trading, colonialism, as well as everyday lives of Indonesian inhabitants over time. Both for locals and tourists they provide a intriguing glimpse into the past, and an opportunity to learn about the country’s diverse cultural heritage. As Indonesia grows and develop, we hope that these historic gems are preserved and allow the heritage of shops to shape the nation’s urban landscapes as well as its memories of culture.