CONCEPTUAL MODELLING FOR AREA-BASED CONSERVATION FOR A NONINTACT CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE, THE CASE STUDY OF THE FORMER MAJAPAHIT ROYAL CAPITAL AT TROWULAN, EAST JAVA

• Main Author: Pratihari Kubontubuh, Catrini
• Format: Dissertations
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Arsitektur
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/56028
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

As conservation and heritage discourse has developed over time so has the scope of conservation activities in relation to both the built and natural environments. The dynamics of history have led to a paradigm shift in conservation. This shift involves a move from a monument-based approach, usually involving discrete objects and a physical approach to the local environment, to an appproach based on values and non-physical aspects of conservation. Area-based conservation is no longer about paying homage to an imagined or romanticised historical past, but about addressing the needs of local communities. This ensures that these communities are involved in a sustainable conservation regime. In contrast with classical conservation practices, determining contemporary cultural significance is no longer solely developed on the basis of physical entities. The existence of a non-intact heritage site poses particular challenges which require specific conservation strategies. In urban development discourse, the management of non-intact heritage sites has barely been discussed in the extant literature on conservation theories or practices. The inexorable pressure for development can easily threaten even largely intact heritage sites. How much more so when these involve non-intact cultural heritage objects, many of which have been irreparably damaged or entirely destroyed or lost. Along with the dynamics of development, conservation also faces a number of particular conflicts on the ground. While these are frequently due to conflicts of interest, they are also the result of differing perceptions amongst stakeholders. These usually involve a number of key aspects such as the nature of the local economy as well as socio-cultural issues. Local politics and the environment are also important here. A new perspective is urgently needed to identify exactly what aspects need to be considered in determining cultural significance, at the same time as determining best practice in conflict management of non-intact heritage sites. In line with the current expert conservation thinking as summarized in Expanding Heritage Discourse (EHD), the present dissertation formulates a number of new ideas with regard to the formation of conceptual conservation models for non-intact heritage sites. These models are explored more fully in the present dissertation through a case study of Trowulan, the former royal capital of the Majapahit kingdom in East Java (1293-1527). Despite its 2013 designation as a National Heritage Site, Trowulan is still a non-intact heritage site. It thus faces continuous threats of destruction and devastation due to different forms of contestation. The present research employs qualitative methodologies in the context of a single and intrinsic case study. It also relies on constructive-interpretivism. Synchronic and diachronic analysis techniques are developed through history tracing to identify aspects which determine cultural significance. It also makes an attempt to structure contestation as a foundation for themanagement of conflict in conservation initiatives. There are two options in formulating a decision. The first is whether a compromise can be reached which ensures conservation priorities. The second is that there are irreconcilable conflicts which prevent effective conservation initiatives. A joint decision can made through an advocacy coalition process. This also requires documentation in the event that conflict is unavoidable and conservation impossible. From an academic perspective, conceptual modelling of area-based conservation is the principal contribution of the present dissertation, which also develops a new approach to and the development of conservation theories with relation to non-intact cultural heritage sites. The dissertation has identified a paradigm shift in current heritage discourse and thinking. This shift has opened up a new understanding regarding the importance of non-physical dimensions in successful conservation initiatives, as well as the role of the community and environmental issues. In accord with current architectural science, the conservation of cultural heritage should not be limited solely to objects. Instead, it should prioritise skilful means of using them for the benefit of the local community and its surroundings by placing heritage as part of the wider environment. Area-based conservation approaches are the starting point here. But these should not be limited to purely physical aspects. Instead, they should concentrate on trying to bring about harmony with regard to the tangible and intangible aspects of any given site. Thus, both the physical and socio-cultural settings of a particular area and its surrounding environment should be taken into account. The findings from this research also reveal a shift in mindset from physical determinants to cultural values. This paradigm shift is relevant to the protection of non-intact heritage sites. Novel ways of thinking regarding the preservation of such sites, stipulate the inclusion of a non-physical dimension, community perceptions, and environmental considerations. These considerations in turn should determine legitimacy in conservation and heritage management, particularly in the case of non-intact heritage sites. The development of such inclusive thinking can generate a new perspective on best practice in non-intact cultural heritage conservation. History tracing is used in the methodology of the current dissertation as one of the methods to identify aspects which determine Trowulan’s cultural significance. This includes identity, memory, and socio-cultural values