Safeguarding a living heritage : a model for the architectural conservation of an historic Islamic district of Kudus, Indonesia

Conserving places of architectural heritage value is of prime importance for Indonesia. Multi-ethnic developing nations must retain local character while creating a national, multi-ethnic identity. During periods of rapid socio-economic change, one must both anticipate a dynamic development process and protect architectural heritage places; thus, attempts to safeguard culturally-significant living structures are crucial. The architectural conservation movement in Indonesia is still largely in its infancy; a strategy for its development is greatly needed. This strategy should incorporate an understanding of the scope of heritage conservation, development of an appropriate model, and the establishment of mechanisms for implementation. Lessons learned from the experience of other countries may constitute an invaluable resource. The choice of an intact yet decaying historic urban structure as a case study can provide a useful example for practical application.\ This thesis attempts to develop a model for safeguarding Indonesia's architectural heritage with the historic Islamic district of Kudus serving as a case study. A fourstep procedure is proposed as the model. It consists of : (1) examination of historic context; (2) assessment of cultural significance; (3) development of conservation policy; and (4) directions for policy implementation. This model is intended to provide future policy directions for those involved in the urban development of Indonesia and Kudus including professionals policy-makers and the inhabitants. In many respects an academic exercise this research establishes the need for further studies which could only take place with greater availability of resources. A general literature review to establish the theoretical basis of the work was carried out in Australian libraries and through discussions with relevant experts. Field research allowed for the examination and recording of architectural historical socioeconomic and administrative data of the historic Islamic district of Kudus. Research in Indonesia included archival research literature review site and building measurements and photographic documentation as well as interviews with inhabitants relevant professional practitioners and local officials. Examination of field data led to the development of an appropriate analytical method. Application of this method established historic themes determined statements of cultural significance for heritage areas and structures developed a framework for both general and critical inventories and established priorities for immediate protection. A conservation policy was subsequently formulated through appropriate application of the theoretical base to the Kudus case and review of relevant international and Indonesian experience. This policy approach considers the district as a whole dynamic living heritage integrates conservation issues and practice with an overall planning process and generates community participation in a more conservation-oriented planning and design process. Primary secondary and supporting programmes for policy implementation were identified. This model provides a structure in which Kudus residents urban design professionals and government officials can develop a conservation policy for Kudus. It does not pre-empt strategic decision-making. Rather it can serve as a valuable tool for conservation analysis and planning applicable to other places facing similar problems. In addition this study contains important historic and architectural information to add to current knowledge of Kudus and to serve as a source of comparative study for other historic Islamic districts of Indonesia particularly in Java. Finally it is hoped that this study will contribute to the development of heritage conservation research in Indonesia"