The eruption of Mount Merapi, 5 November 2010 had resulted many casualties which were generally caused by heat clouds "wedhus gembel." People's houses could no longer serve as a protector and mostly destroyed by the blast of hot clouds that supposedly reach speeds of up to 300km/hr. In addition to its high speed, hot clouds can reach temperature around 600 degrees Celsius. The threat was also come from hot material heap too often among the houses located near the peak of Merapi.
Till now, the only way considered as the most appropriate to survive the wrath of the hot cloud is of course to avoid it. No any single organism that can survive at that very high temperature even for short periods. In the 2006 eruption, even custom-made bunkers for protection against hazards for Merapi still killed two volunteers who were trapped in it. So in theory, the protection of buildings against heat clouds and avalanches of material is difficult.
However, it does not mean that nothing can be done related to the protection around this volcano hazards. To run away is the first choice that must be done, but for those who do not have chance, to find protection in order to survive is the only way. This protection can only offered by buildings.
There are three main aspects to be considered for designing the protector building around the Merapi namely; strong winds, high temperatures, and the burden of volcanic material. To avoid those three things, the simplest strategy, but it is not easy to do, is to create a kind of foxhole "bunker" beneath the ground. Bunker is relatively safe from hot clouds attack that occurs in a short time. The deadly bunker case in 2006 that took lives is because the bunker was directly covered very hot material in a long time, so the room be turned into an 'oven' for the victims in it.
The second alternative is to build strong buildings withstand winds, temperature and heavy loads. In this case, the entirely reinforced concrete construction of the wall and roof is the most appropriate. Concrete will able to anticipate great loads from material on it, blowing wind and high temperatures. In terms of ability to withstand radiation or convection heat, concrete is better than other building materials due to high thermal lag. Wood and metal are not recommended since the material is easy to conduct heat and cannot stand in high temperatures.
This building protection is needed for any community groups, or even in every home residents if possible. The first and second alternative above would be expensive and not economical, but nevertheless it does not mean cannot be implemented. Abundant sand resources are one benefit that has been provided by the nature of Merapi. Nature seems to provide its own solution, abundant and good quality of sands is well known as one answer to the most appropriate materials should be used in such region. Besides, reinforced concrete construction is not new for people around Merapi. Moreover, the price of a safety would be more than anything.
And what about houses? We discuss later ...
Senin, 15 November 2010
Sabtu, 13 November 2010
WHY JAVANESE HOUSES WERE SEVERE COLLAPSED IN THE 2006 EARTHQUAKE ?
In general the factors causing the failure of Javanese house can be affected by: the epicenter proximity, the geological formation, high density level, and weak construction of the houses (Idham, N, et.al 2010a)
The epicenter was relatively very close and shallow to the object of Javanese houses
According to USGS, the magnitude was 6.2 Ritcher scale and the epicenter was at 7.96°S, 110.46°E with 10 km depth. The epicenter was located in the Opak river estuary around 20 km from Yogyakarta with shallow depth. It means that the source of the quake was on the site of the houses (Bantul district of Yogyakarta). The magnitude would have less meaning if the proximity to the epicenter is also less by means far away from the energy resource. Some other earthquakes actually stroke later such as the 7.0 SR West Java Province on September 2, 2009 with the epicenter distance 195 km from Jakarta and 46.2 km depth under the sea (USGS 2009a). In this case, it was causing casualties ‘only’ 57 fatalities and 300 injured from about 10000 damaged houses. This earthquake was also felt from Yogyakarta and Central Java but it has no effect or little, if any, to the buildings there. The other earthquake happened in November 13th with 5.4 SR magnitude 360 km away from Jakarta and 41 km depth (USGS 2009b). The last quake has no any casualties and building damage. In this matter, the MMI scale is more useful in measuring the effect earthquake to the buildings since it based on the impact in the area. If the 2006 Java earthquake has VIII-IX, while the September 2, 2009 west Java earthquake only VI-VII.
Geological formation of the sites bolstered up the effect to the buildings
Instead of spreading to the surrounding site in radial way, the 2006 Java earthquake had different effect in some areas related to the local geological condition. Soft soil easily amplifies shear waves transfer from epicenter. MAE recorded that horizontal peak ground accelerations in the region of 0.20~0.34g and vertical ground motion is estimated from structural collapse back-analysis at 0.18~0.30g which was categorized very high (Elnashai AS, et.al, 2007). As a result, buildings located near river line or wet land will be affected more. From the 2006 earthquake data, the nearer area of the epicenter, Gunung Kidul has less effect since the ground is more rigid constituted from limestone. In other hand, farer area as Klaten Regency with most wet agricultural soil has more collapsed houses. Unfortunately, as a consequence of agricultural land, Bantul and Klaten have sit on soft soil and will have more threat from earthquake disaster compared to surrounding areas. The wet areas stretched from Bantul to Klaten are also known as Opak vault.
The affected areas have very high density of houses
Java Island in general is the densest population in the world by 979/km². Among of them, Bantul district where collapsed houses were high is the densest area in Java with population of 831,955 living in 226,777 houses in 506.85 km² area or 1641.4/km² of inhabitants and 447.4 houses in every km² (DEPKES 2007). When the 2006 earthquake stroke, 148,440 out of 218,345 houses (67.9%) in Bantul were non inhabitable or badly damaged and collapsed (BAPPENAS 2006).
The houses structure was very weak and built without earthquake consideration
Eventhough Javanese houses were originally constructed from wood, the modern development shows that brick is the most material used for structural system of the houses. According to Boen (2006), the houses collapsed from Java 2006 were mostly built by masonry either with or without reinforced concrete frame. The weak masonry was the main factor to collapse of the building while for the newer with reinforced concrete; improper connection is the most aspect of structural failures. Those structural failures were mainly because of lack in earthquake consideration since 1943 when big earthquake, for the last time, was causing high casualties before it happen again in 2006.
The load bearing brick-wall construction has been used widely as preferred house construction system together with timber frame since the Dutch occupied Java Island and started to colonize it in the early 17th century till recent times (Prijotomo,1996). For Javanese, the brick house then has been used as a symbol of social status of family of the owner (Koentjaraningrat, 1984). Unfortunately, this new concept was followed without any consideration in earthquake potential threat. The limitation of their economy and the lack awareness of proper construction of the houses were some of the main problem. As a result, this became one of factors contributing the weakness of the house construction and causing so much loss by recently quakes.
The epicenter was relatively very close and shallow to the object of Javanese houses
According to USGS, the magnitude was 6.2 Ritcher scale and the epicenter was at 7.96°S, 110.46°E with 10 km depth. The epicenter was located in the Opak river estuary around 20 km from Yogyakarta with shallow depth. It means that the source of the quake was on the site of the houses (Bantul district of Yogyakarta). The magnitude would have less meaning if the proximity to the epicenter is also less by means far away from the energy resource. Some other earthquakes actually stroke later such as the 7.0 SR West Java Province on September 2, 2009 with the epicenter distance 195 km from Jakarta and 46.2 km depth under the sea (USGS 2009a). In this case, it was causing casualties ‘only’ 57 fatalities and 300 injured from about 10000 damaged houses. This earthquake was also felt from Yogyakarta and Central Java but it has no effect or little, if any, to the buildings there. The other earthquake happened in November 13th with 5.4 SR magnitude 360 km away from Jakarta and 41 km depth (USGS 2009b). The last quake has no any casualties and building damage. In this matter, the MMI scale is more useful in measuring the effect earthquake to the buildings since it based on the impact in the area. If the 2006 Java earthquake has VIII-IX, while the September 2, 2009 west Java earthquake only VI-VII.
Geological formation of the sites bolstered up the effect to the buildings
Instead of spreading to the surrounding site in radial way, the 2006 Java earthquake had different effect in some areas related to the local geological condition. Soft soil easily amplifies shear waves transfer from epicenter. MAE recorded that horizontal peak ground accelerations in the region of 0.20~0.34g and vertical ground motion is estimated from structural collapse back-analysis at 0.18~0.30g which was categorized very high (Elnashai AS, et.al, 2007). As a result, buildings located near river line or wet land will be affected more. From the 2006 earthquake data, the nearer area of the epicenter, Gunung Kidul has less effect since the ground is more rigid constituted from limestone. In other hand, farer area as Klaten Regency with most wet agricultural soil has more collapsed houses. Unfortunately, as a consequence of agricultural land, Bantul and Klaten have sit on soft soil and will have more threat from earthquake disaster compared to surrounding areas. The wet areas stretched from Bantul to Klaten are also known as Opak vault.
The affected areas have very high density of houses
Java Island in general is the densest population in the world by 979/km². Among of them, Bantul district where collapsed houses were high is the densest area in Java with population of 831,955 living in 226,777 houses in 506.85 km² area or 1641.4/km² of inhabitants and 447.4 houses in every km² (DEPKES 2007). When the 2006 earthquake stroke, 148,440 out of 218,345 houses (67.9%) in Bantul were non inhabitable or badly damaged and collapsed (BAPPENAS 2006).
The houses structure was very weak and built without earthquake consideration
Eventhough Javanese houses were originally constructed from wood, the modern development shows that brick is the most material used for structural system of the houses. According to Boen (2006), the houses collapsed from Java 2006 were mostly built by masonry either with or without reinforced concrete frame. The weak masonry was the main factor to collapse of the building while for the newer with reinforced concrete; improper connection is the most aspect of structural failures. Those structural failures were mainly because of lack in earthquake consideration since 1943 when big earthquake, for the last time, was causing high casualties before it happen again in 2006.
Figure Javanese House's Changes in Material Structure
The load bearing brick-wall construction has been used widely as preferred house construction system together with timber frame since the Dutch occupied Java Island and started to colonize it in the early 17th century till recent times (Prijotomo,1996). For Javanese, the brick house then has been used as a symbol of social status of family of the owner (Koentjaraningrat, 1984). Unfortunately, this new concept was followed without any consideration in earthquake potential threat. The limitation of their economy and the lack awareness of proper construction of the houses were some of the main problem. As a result, this became one of factors contributing the weakness of the house construction and causing so much loss by recently quakes.
Based on Paper:
Idham, N; Mohd, M, and Numan, I (2010a) ”Why The Javanese Houses Have Failed In The 2006 Earthquake”, in proceeding of the International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE 2010) pp.121-128. Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Islamic University of Indonesia, August 2010.
Jumat, 05 November 2010
MERAPI IS NOT FRIENDLY ANYMORE
I just did nothing and tend to be silent when heard that Mount Merapi was really getting raged. Friday November 5th 2010 early morning hours in Turkey or at 5 am Western Indonesian Time, I got message from my wife who is still at 13rd KM in Jalan Kaliurang Yogyakarta that our house could not be inhabited anymore, volcanic mud was everywhere in the yard and street, the air was filled with dust and the very smell of sulfur, visibility was almost zero. My wife and children have to, be willing or not, just to be refugee joint with others displaced down to a safer place. Unfortunately, I could only support them from afar.
This disaster is truly beyond our expectations. Mount Merapi, which used to be very friendly and part of our life, now seemed to turn into a hideous monster. Hundreds of deaths and thousands of others suffered, thousands of dead animals, thousands of hectares of dry crops now are easily found in our region just like deserted region. The mount itself seems as not more of a part of our lives, but turned hostile and attack us openly. We don’t know what sin we have and what mistakes we did, the nature obviously started no longer friendly to us now.
Behind this disaster, we still have to be grateful; still remain in the protection of Almighty God than those who were unfortunately cannot be saved anymore from the disaster. In a situation like this we really can see clearly who the angels are, the voluntary helper. Hundreds of volunteers, both civilian and military were risking their own life to help the victims whether alive or dead who was blasted by hot clouds trim of Merapi. Yes ... it should be, we should helping each other, regardless any command and request from the authority. This nation large population would have to solve any kind of problem if we can help each other, holding hands with sincerity. It is time to lose our frills fanaticism to certain organization, politics and even religion for the sake of humanity that might have been estranged from our conscience. Not doing so, it seems could not to be denied that the nature starts to be unfriendly to us.
This disaster is truly beyond our expectations. Mount Merapi, which used to be very friendly and part of our life, now seemed to turn into a hideous monster. Hundreds of deaths and thousands of others suffered, thousands of dead animals, thousands of hectares of dry crops now are easily found in our region just like deserted region. The mount itself seems as not more of a part of our lives, but turned hostile and attack us openly. We don’t know what sin we have and what mistakes we did, the nature obviously started no longer friendly to us now.
Behind this disaster, we still have to be grateful; still remain in the protection of Almighty God than those who were unfortunately cannot be saved anymore from the disaster. In a situation like this we really can see clearly who the angels are, the voluntary helper. Hundreds of volunteers, both civilian and military were risking their own life to help the victims whether alive or dead who was blasted by hot clouds trim of Merapi. Yes ... it should be, we should helping each other, regardless any command and request from the authority. This nation large population would have to solve any kind of problem if we can help each other, holding hands with sincerity. It is time to lose our frills fanaticism to certain organization, politics and even religion for the sake of humanity that might have been estranged from our conscience. Not doing so, it seems could not to be denied that the nature starts to be unfriendly to us.
Senin, 01 November 2010
Is the CONCRETE FRAME HOUSE MOST SECURE for EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT HOUSE (2)
In the midst of my routine busyness (and bored to!) to wrote my PhD thesis, I tried again to fill this blog just in order not to neglect and fills my saturated time since being away from my wife and kids this (... ehem). My topic now is not far away from the theme of my thesis, traditional Javanese house and its relation to earthquakes.
STIFFNESS, STRENGTH, and DUCTILITY
As a result of the earthquake in Bantul 2006, many buildings whether it is called traditional or modern building, mostly badly hit by the devastated earthquake. Soon after, the government and hundreds of donors rebuilt shelters in the Bantul and surrounding areas with new houses through a reconstruction program. The popular reconstruction house types were built from bricks wall altogether with reinforced concrete frame. Those new houses are considered the safest or most appropriate to anticipate the future earthquake. Previous homes, especially the traditional houses, are considered less suitable for earthquake resistant buildings. So the people in Bantul and surrounding communities then build their homes with this type of reinforced concrete which was previously not widely used, especially by rural communities who had still familiar with the house bricks or wooden house using 'gedhek' or 'gebyok'. Now it can be ascertained when you come to the Bantul, old style house ‘tempo doeloe’ such as Javanese Limasan, is rarely used anymore in Bantul, and just as a memory.
Just to note, that houses by framework of concrete bricks indeed be one solution to the earthquake-safe building houses but not the safest one. The nature of the framework of concrete brick wall relies on the principle of stiffness and strength rather than ductile. The principles of earthquake resistant buildings are supposed to cover all three issues. Stiffness is the principle of building to resilience the shocks so that the building does not change in shape, while building strength is the principle of maximum load of an earthquake can be accommodated, so it is always associated with load resistance. Ductile in the other hand more to do with building endurance to change its shape (flexible, plastic), or absorb the force, according to the existing burden. The principle stiffness in buildings is by applying heavy materials such as bricks and concrete that is rigid or rigid and not flexible. While ductile is more suitable when using a material like wood and steel.
Unfortunately, the principle of prioritizing the stiffness first in building only fit for the area that have small earthquake risk since consideration to resist shocks will be relatively low. This is worst by the burden of building by using materials such as bricks and concrete slabs. High load in addition to relatively low plasticity are also vulnerable to the dangers of rolling for lateral or horizontal forces caused by the earthquake. It's also very dangerous if used as a residential building since it element will ruins the occupants under yet of lightweight materials such as wood. Furthermore, if the quality of implementation is also low, the risk of earthquake will be very-very high.
This is what bothered over my mind. New houses in Bantul were completely been built using bricks and concrete slabs. Regardless of whether its implementation is right or not, the use of this material type is still worrying for earthquake prone areas such as in Bantul. The houses with a high ductile principle should be more secure and less stressed rather than the reinforced concrete which is more rigid and brittle. Although some opinions said it would be very expensive for using wood, but the reinforced concrete building materials are also not that expensive now? And probably should not be forgotten, the potential use of local wood or bamboo or palm-coconut wood also still can be improved. And another thing, by building houses made of wood we will also return to preserve the Javanese traditional house which previously been widely used (in the future we will discuss why many traditional houses collapsed in the quake of 2006 in Java).
STIFFNESS, STRENGTH, and DUCTILITY
As a result of the earthquake in Bantul 2006, many buildings whether it is called traditional or modern building, mostly badly hit by the devastated earthquake. Soon after, the government and hundreds of donors rebuilt shelters in the Bantul and surrounding areas with new houses through a reconstruction program. The popular reconstruction house types were built from bricks wall altogether with reinforced concrete frame. Those new houses are considered the safest or most appropriate to anticipate the future earthquake. Previous homes, especially the traditional houses, are considered less suitable for earthquake resistant buildings. So the people in Bantul and surrounding communities then build their homes with this type of reinforced concrete which was previously not widely used, especially by rural communities who had still familiar with the house bricks or wooden house using 'gedhek' or 'gebyok'. Now it can be ascertained when you come to the Bantul, old style house ‘tempo doeloe’ such as Javanese Limasan, is rarely used anymore in Bantul, and just as a memory.
Just to note, that houses by framework of concrete bricks indeed be one solution to the earthquake-safe building houses but not the safest one. The nature of the framework of concrete brick wall relies on the principle of stiffness and strength rather than ductile. The principles of earthquake resistant buildings are supposed to cover all three issues. Stiffness is the principle of building to resilience the shocks so that the building does not change in shape, while building strength is the principle of maximum load of an earthquake can be accommodated, so it is always associated with load resistance. Ductile in the other hand more to do with building endurance to change its shape (flexible, plastic), or absorb the force, according to the existing burden. The principle stiffness in buildings is by applying heavy materials such as bricks and concrete that is rigid or rigid and not flexible. While ductile is more suitable when using a material like wood and steel.
Unfortunately, the principle of prioritizing the stiffness first in building only fit for the area that have small earthquake risk since consideration to resist shocks will be relatively low. This is worst by the burden of building by using materials such as bricks and concrete slabs. High load in addition to relatively low plasticity are also vulnerable to the dangers of rolling for lateral or horizontal forces caused by the earthquake. It's also very dangerous if used as a residential building since it element will ruins the occupants under yet of lightweight materials such as wood. Furthermore, if the quality of implementation is also low, the risk of earthquake will be very-very high.
This is what bothered over my mind. New houses in Bantul were completely been built using bricks and concrete slabs. Regardless of whether its implementation is right or not, the use of this material type is still worrying for earthquake prone areas such as in Bantul. The houses with a high ductile principle should be more secure and less stressed rather than the reinforced concrete which is more rigid and brittle. Although some opinions said it would be very expensive for using wood, but the reinforced concrete building materials are also not that expensive now? And probably should not be forgotten, the potential use of local wood or bamboo or palm-coconut wood also still can be improved. And another thing, by building houses made of wood we will also return to preserve the Javanese traditional house which previously been widely used (in the future we will discuss why many traditional houses collapsed in the quake of 2006 in Java).
WHAT HAPPEN if THESE VOLCANO MOUNTAINS are STARTING to ACTIVE?
As a country located in an active seismic area "ring of fire", it is normal to have seismic activities such as earthquakes and activated volcanoes through the daily life of Indonesian. Both circum Eurasian tectonic in southern Indonesian islands (exactly west and south Sumatra Island Java Island) and Pacific Ridge in the Northeast is known as the most active tectonic lines in the world. Some literatures stated that earthquakes and volcanic activity is closely related to each other. This is clearly evident in 2006 when activity volcanoes including mount Merapi as it writhed along with the earthquake in Yogyakarta, Java, May 27, 2006 or July 17, 2006 on the southern coast of Pangandaran which was resulting tsunami. Even when the earthquake occurred on May 27, 2007 Yogyakarta, many residents thought that the vibration was came from Merapi, since the mountain had to ‘cough’ several times previously in the north of Yogyakarta. Instead, earthquake was precisely 'attack' from the south of Yogya that claimed many casualties and great losses at the time.
My concern now is that the natural condition is almost similar to the 2006. As I type this article, according to BMG reports; there are about 21 mountain activities of about 300 volcanoes in Indonesia.
From the 21 volcanoes, 2 of them have 'siaga' or secondary warning, which are Gunung Ibu in Northern Maluku and Gunung Karangetang, Northern Sulawesi.
19 Volcanoes which have 'waspada' or first warning from their activity:
1. Gunung Seulawah (Aceh)
2. Gunung Sinabung (Karo, Sumut)
3. Gunung Talang (Solok, Sumbar)
4. Gunung Kaba (Bengkulu)
5. Gunung Kerinci (Jambi)
6. Gunung Anak Krakatau (Lampung)
7. Gunung Papandayan (Garut, Jabar)
8. Gunung Slamet (Jateng)
9. Gunung Bromo (Jatim)
10. Gunung Semeru (Lumajang, Jatim)
11. Gunung Batur (Bali)
12. Gunung Rinjani (Lombok, NTB)
13. Gunung Sangeang Api (Bima, NTB)
14. Gunung Rokatenda (Flores, NTT)
15. Gunung Egon (Sikka, NTT)
16. Gunung Soputan (Minahasa Selatan, Sulut)
17. Gunung Lokon (Tomohon, Sulut)
18. Gunung Gamalama (Ternate, Maluku Utara)
19. Gunung Dukono (Halmahera Utara, Maluku Utara)
While a large earthquake has occurred with 7.2 M the Mentawai Islands accompanied by tsunami is one of the effects of the rise of the Eurasian tectonic activity and they are closely related to one another. Mount Talang in West Sumatra, in this case most associated with the Mentawai quake, one thing is that almost similar to the Merapi and the 2006 earthquake in Bantul Yogyakarta. According to the record, the year of1981 was a quake occurred in Yogyakarta when Mount Merapi was also being active with peak of eruption occurred on June 15, 1984.
Although it already denied by Indonesian Geological board, and still needs to be proven by some more data, we deserve to be careful and vigilant in this matter. I do not intend to worst the recent Merapi situation with another disaster by this article. However, we don’t know if the things we thought might be happen. Hopefully the Saturday, October 30 eruption of Merapi early days ago was the last time and not will be followed by earthquake that can cause disasters. Let us keep praying and trying so the disaster far away and does not always come in this country.
UPDATE!
November 9th, 2010
After the Merapi’s massive eruption in the early morning on Friday 5th November 2010, today it had followed by a middle magnitude 5.6 M earthquake in southern of Bantul after 4 M stroke southern area of Wonosari lastweek. Based on information received from BMKG Yogyakarta, the quake occurred at 8.98 south latitude (LS) and 110.08 east longitude (BT) at 125 km southwest of Bantul regency, Yogyakarta at a depth of 10 km located in the sea.
Though it was not powerful in Yogyakarta, but could be felt in some regions in Central and West Java. The most important is that this quake did not as destructive earthquake. That's what I worry about the quake. By this already occurrence,an earthquake in the south of Merapi Volcano, I hope it will not followed by other. Amen
My concern now is that the natural condition is almost similar to the 2006. As I type this article, according to BMG reports; there are about 21 mountain activities of about 300 volcanoes in Indonesia.
From the 21 volcanoes, 2 of them have 'siaga' or secondary warning, which are Gunung Ibu in Northern Maluku and Gunung Karangetang, Northern Sulawesi.
19 Volcanoes which have 'waspada' or first warning from their activity:
1. Gunung Seulawah (Aceh)
2. Gunung Sinabung (Karo, Sumut)
3. Gunung Talang (Solok, Sumbar)
4. Gunung Kaba (Bengkulu)
5. Gunung Kerinci (Jambi)
6. Gunung Anak Krakatau (Lampung)
7. Gunung Papandayan (Garut, Jabar)
8. Gunung Slamet (Jateng)
9. Gunung Bromo (Jatim)
10. Gunung Semeru (Lumajang, Jatim)
11. Gunung Batur (Bali)
12. Gunung Rinjani (Lombok, NTB)
13. Gunung Sangeang Api (Bima, NTB)
14. Gunung Rokatenda (Flores, NTT)
15. Gunung Egon (Sikka, NTT)
16. Gunung Soputan (Minahasa Selatan, Sulut)
17. Gunung Lokon (Tomohon, Sulut)
18. Gunung Gamalama (Ternate, Maluku Utara)
19. Gunung Dukono (Halmahera Utara, Maluku Utara)
While a large earthquake has occurred with 7.2 M the Mentawai Islands accompanied by tsunami is one of the effects of the rise of the Eurasian tectonic activity and they are closely related to one another. Mount Talang in West Sumatra, in this case most associated with the Mentawai quake, one thing is that almost similar to the Merapi and the 2006 earthquake in Bantul Yogyakarta. According to the record, the year of1981 was a quake occurred in Yogyakarta when Mount Merapi was also being active with peak of eruption occurred on June 15, 1984.
Figure. Relation between earthquake (as result of plates subduction) and volcanoes
Although it already denied by Indonesian Geological board, and still needs to be proven by some more data, we deserve to be careful and vigilant in this matter. I do not intend to worst the recent Merapi situation with another disaster by this article. However, we don’t know if the things we thought might be happen. Hopefully the Saturday, October 30 eruption of Merapi early days ago was the last time and not will be followed by earthquake that can cause disasters. Let us keep praying and trying so the disaster far away and does not always come in this country.
UPDATE!
November 9th, 2010
After the Merapi’s massive eruption in the early morning on Friday 5th November 2010, today it had followed by a middle magnitude 5.6 M earthquake in southern of Bantul after 4 M stroke southern area of Wonosari lastweek. Based on information received from BMKG Yogyakarta, the quake occurred at 8.98 south latitude (LS) and 110.08 east longitude (BT) at 125 km southwest of Bantul regency, Yogyakarta at a depth of 10 km located in the sea.
Though it was not powerful in Yogyakarta, but could be felt in some regions in Central and West Java. The most important is that this quake did not as destructive earthquake. That's what I worry about the quake. By this already occurrence,an earthquake in the south of Merapi Volcano, I hope it will not followed by other. Amen
Jumat, 16 April 2010
Looking Back to One Corner of Istanbul: Mosque Suleymani and Rustam Pasha Mosque
Recently I had the opportunity to hang out again Istanbul Turkey. This visit began with an invitation thanks to Dr. Ruzardi and Mrs Hastuti to guide them in Istanbul, after they had completed a working visit of UII (Islamic University of Indonesia) to the EMU (Eastern Mediterranean University) in North Cyprus, the university where I am studying now.
After waiting some time at Attaturk airport terminal in Istanbul, we finally got to the hotel where we were staying via the Metro Tram in Istanbul old city area Beyazit. Around this place located the most important objects of Istanbul, among other well-known are the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, Suleymani Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and so forth. Also some important relics before the era of the Sultanate of Ustmaniah (Ottoman), such as Hagia Shopia, Column of Constantine, etc. as symbols of triumph Konstatinopel before converted as Istanbul in mid-century
I will not have much to discuss these objects in general in Istanbul this time, but atleast there are two mosques that attract my attention, Suleymani Mosque and Rustam Pasha Mosque:
SULEYMANI MOSQUE
Suleymani Mosque is the second largest mosque and is very important to the Ottoman Empire. It may sound a bit not as famous as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or commonly known as the Blue Mosque, located adjusent to Hagia Shopia (Aya Sofia) and Topkapi Palace. Suleyman Mosque is located on the hill in the middle of the peninsula of Istanbul as well as in the highest places in this area. Architecturally, this mosque is very important that inspires other mosques including Sultan Ahmed around this area. This Mosque was built by Sultan Suleyman I and as the work of famous architect Mimar Sinan built around 1550-1558 AD. Historically, the existence of this mosque was as an answer of Sultan Suleyman to the Hagia Shopia when it was actually built by the Byzantines which was really as a church. This mosque was also once made to show the greatness of Sultan Suleyman I as successor to the Prophet Suleyman and calls himself the Second Solomon, the Prophet Suleyman the famous Dome of the Rock in Israel nowdays.
This mosque dome had collapsed in part due to the earthquake in 1766 in Istanbul, which unfortunately break some major decoration of the mosque. Unfortunately when I was there another renovation was taken so I did not any chance to look up inside. But I was quite amused to visit the tomb of Sultan Suleyman the disseminator of Islam in western area and also as the main and most important sultan in Dinasty Ustmaniah.
RUSTAM PASHA MOSQUE
Among the many relics in Istanbul, there is one mosque that is not so big but very valuable because it has a amazing ceramic decoration from the era of the Sultanate Ustmani using Iznik ceramics (period 1555-1620) in all over the walls. This ceramic wall style can not be found in other mosques in Istanbul except here in Rustam Pasha Mosque. This mosque is also as one of the great works of Mimar Sinan, built around 1561-1563 on the orders of Sultan Suleyman dedicated to Sultan Rustam Pasha, the daughter's husband of of the Sultan. Since these ceramic tiles are so valuable, the mosque is guarded 24 hours a day byTurkish security to avoid theft who once for antic goods sold to collections in European black market.
After waiting some time at Attaturk airport terminal in Istanbul, we finally got to the hotel where we were staying via the Metro Tram in Istanbul old city area Beyazit. Around this place located the most important objects of Istanbul, among other well-known are the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, Suleymani Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and so forth. Also some important relics before the era of the Sultanate of Ustmaniah (Ottoman), such as Hagia Shopia, Column of Constantine, etc. as symbols of triumph Konstatinopel before converted as Istanbul in mid-century
I will not have much to discuss these objects in general in Istanbul this time, but atleast there are two mosques that attract my attention, Suleymani Mosque and Rustam Pasha Mosque:
Tram in the Old City area of Istanbul (photo: Ummit Tuncay)
SULEYMANI MOSQUE
Suleymani Mosque is the second largest mosque and is very important to the Ottoman Empire. It may sound a bit not as famous as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or commonly known as the Blue Mosque, located adjusent to Hagia Shopia (Aya Sofia) and Topkapi Palace. Suleyman Mosque is located on the hill in the middle of the peninsula of Istanbul as well as in the highest places in this area. Architecturally, this mosque is very important that inspires other mosques including Sultan Ahmed around this area. This Mosque was built by Sultan Suleyman I and as the work of famous architect Mimar Sinan built around 1550-1558 AD. Historically, the existence of this mosque was as an answer of Sultan Suleyman to the Hagia Shopia when it was actually built by the Byzantines which was really as a church. This mosque was also once made to show the greatness of Sultan Suleyman I as successor to the Prophet Suleyman and calls himself the Second Solomon, the Prophet Suleyman the famous Dome of the Rock in Israel nowdays.
This mosque dome had collapsed in part due to the earthquake in 1766 in Istanbul, which unfortunately break some major decoration of the mosque. Unfortunately when I was there another renovation was taken so I did not any chance to look up inside. But I was quite amused to visit the tomb of Sultan Suleyman the disseminator of Islam in western area and also as the main and most important sultan in Dinasty Ustmaniah.
Suleymani mosque with Galata Bridge of the Golden Horn waters
One of the gates of the Suleymani Mosque
Boulevard infront of Suleymani Mosque
Suleymani Mosque in Renovation
Mausoleum of Sultan Suleyman
Interior Mausoleum of Sultan Suleyman and relatives
RUSTAM PASHA MOSQUE
Among the many relics in Istanbul, there is one mosque that is not so big but very valuable because it has a amazing ceramic decoration from the era of the Sultanate Ustmani using Iznik ceramics (period 1555-1620) in all over the walls. This ceramic wall style can not be found in other mosques in Istanbul except here in Rustam Pasha Mosque. This mosque is also as one of the great works of Mimar Sinan, built around 1561-1563 on the orders of Sultan Suleyman dedicated to Sultan Rustam Pasha, the daughter's husband of of the Sultan. Since these ceramic tiles are so valuable, the mosque is guarded 24 hours a day byTurkish security to avoid theft who once for antic goods sold to collections in European black market.
Front Space and Interior Parts Rustam Pasha Mosque
Rustam Pasha Mosque Interior full of Antique Ceramics
Interior Upper Mosque
Minggu, 28 Februari 2010
EARTHQUAKE PUZZELS NOW PLAYING IN AMERICA
A month after the earthquake strike Haiti in early January, now at the end of February 2010 devastating earthquake strike America again, exactly located in western Chile with the 8.8 power Richter scale. If in the previous article I presented data that a large quake always occurs in every year in the last twenty years, apparently two major earthquakes Haiti and Chile slightly alter that fact. Only within a month, a large earthquake occurs again. This shows that the intensity of the higher earthquake, maybe not every year but once a month. Or at least more than two times a year, considering there are still 10 months are still coming in the year of 2010.
The intense of earthquake in America is certainly related to the moving continental plates which are connected to one another. Like mosaics puzzle game, shifting one place will result in vacancies in other places. Well, these mosaics are now playing in America. Are other parts of the world will be relatively safe from a big earthquake? Wallahualam bis showab…
Earthquake chain in Chile (Google earth)
Viewed from the successive events in the near future in America (south), I little thought that America will now turn more to get earthquakes. In a sense, the plates around the America become active including the Pacific Plate, Nazca Plate, South American plate, Caribbean plates, and North American plates themselves. If we look at the map, Chile earthquake occurred due to the release of energy from the Nazca plate collision (as well as Cocos) and South American plates. The meeting line of these continents to meet very close to the South American coast along Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, to Mexico and the United States. Another area that began to active releasing energy to the occurrence of earthquake is Caribbean plate that resulted Haiti earthquake last month.
Active continental plates in the world
(see. Chile and other western Latin American countries are very close to the trench)
The intense of earthquake in America is certainly related to the moving continental plates which are connected to one another. Like mosaics puzzle game, shifting one place will result in vacancies in other places. Well, these mosaics are now playing in America. Are other parts of the world will be relatively safe from a big earthquake? Wallahualam bis showab…
Kamis, 21 Januari 2010
Ganesha Statue in UII was Written for UII
I accidentally found something weird when looking at Ganesha statue recently discovered at the Islamic University of Indonesia (IUI) or Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta. What I think is totally unscientific, but intriguing enough to find up such as letters or symbols from the hair sculptured on the head of Ganesha. Indeed the carving letter that I mean as a part of Ganesha statue's hair, but these letters are separately formed as UUIUUIUUI. Then I started to think by connecting it with UII or UIU. I do not know if this is happened accidently or was thought by the wise ancestors that this temple will be part of UII (IUI) in the future (nowadays)?
Picture of Ganesha with IUI or UII written in his head
Minggu, 17 Januari 2010
Indonesian Architecture?
Indonesian architecture is comprised from classic-traditional, vernacular and new- contemporary buildings. The classic-traditional is building which build by ancient era. Vernacular architecture is also the form of traditional architecture, especially domestic buildings, with some adjustments build by people today or some generations before. New-contemporary architecture is building which used new material and new construction technique and receive influence from many sources starting from the Dutch colonial period to the post independence era. The introduction of cement and other modern materials and the rapid growth buildings development has produced mixed results.
Indonesian Classical Architecture
The typical feature of Indonesian Classical architecture is Candi, a tower-like structure. The origin of Buddhist and Hindu temple are built of stone, which is raised on a basement and surmounted by a stepped pyramidal roof, ornamented with relics. In symbolic terms, the building is as a representation of the legendary Mount Meru, which in Hindu-Buddhist mythology is identified as the residence of the gods. Candi Borobudur structures, the famous 9th-century Buddhists and Candi Prambanan for Hindus in Central Java similarly invoked this idea of cosmic mountain. In the East-Javanese era, the architecture of court culture was developing more indigenous elements rather than Indian elements, and more ever, this court architecture was not in sharp contrast with that of peasant culture. It was only a matter of structural materials that decided the degree and order of architecture, not the ideas which underlay those appearances.
Hindu’s culture is counted for at least 10 centuries had affected Indonesian culture before its connection with Islam. For that long period, the architecture heritance is very limited for some dozens of temples except for Bali Island that still have thousands since the people are still Hindu.
Vernacular Architecture in Indonesia
Traditional and vernacular architecture in Indonesia originates from two sources. One is the great Hindu tradition brought to Indonesia from India via Java. The second is an indigenous architecture pre-dating the Hindu epic. Vernacular houses that most found in rural area are built using natural materials as thatch roof, bamboo poles, woven bamboo, coconut wood, and stone. Buildings are organic statements in complete harmony with the environment. Many of these are temporary such as the offering houses set up before harvest in the rice fields. The Indonesian houses have always been particularly adept using the bamboo.
The oldest vernacular buildings in Indonesia today are no more than about 150 years old. However stone carving on the walls of 9th-century Hindu and Buddhist temples in central Java reveal close correspondences between the domestic architecture of that time and contemporary vernacular forms which are still being built today. The vernacular architecture of Indonesia belongs to an ancient building tradition which can be found throughout of islands Southeast Asia and parts of the mainland. Characteristic feature include post foundations, an elevated living floor and a pitched roof ridge and outward leaning gable ends and constructed from wood and other perishable organic materials.
Islamic Influences in Architecture
Islamic culture in Indonesia was started in 13th AD when in Northern Sumatra was appeared Islamic kingdom Pasai in 1292. Two and a half centuries later along with Western peoples, Islam came to Java. Islam was never spread through Indonesia by political forces like in India nor Turkey. Islamic culture in Indonesia was really intent only in mosques, palaces, and grave buildings.
With the declining power of the Majapahit kingdom the Hindu-Javanese period of Javanese history, highlighted by the grandeur of its kingdom in the fourteenth century with series of great temples, monuments, and old-Javanese and Sanskrit literature, came to an end. Nevertheless, it did not means that this Javanese “Classical Age” was then under the hand of “Barbarians” who took the center stage, nor was it the beginning of Javanese “Dark Age”. Successive Islamic kingdoms were heirs to the sophisticated culture Majapahit, which they adopted by their own genius. The “New Age” produced the mosque of Demak, Kudus and Banten in the sixteenth century, the royal grave-site of Imogiri, and the palaces of Jogjakarta and Surakarta in the eighteenth century. Sanskrit and Old-Javanese literature gradually disappeared to be changed and altered by more contemporary ones. Encourage by the fact that Islam did not introduce any new physical forms and its teachings were taught in mystical ways by the Sufis, this syncretism, unfortunately, failed to establish Islam as a system that totally eliminated Hindu-Javanism. Islamic form used Hindu-Javanese ideas (see Prijotomo, 1988)
The gradual spread of Islam through the region from the 12th century onwards introduced another important set of architectural influences, in this instance, however, the changes were more ideological then technological, the advent of Islam did not lead to the introduction of an entirely new building tradition, but rather saw the appropriation of existing architectural forms, which were reinvented or reinterpreted to suit Muslim requirements, The Kudus drum tower, on the north coast of Java, is a case in point. Resembling a candi build of the 14th-century Majapahit era, the tower was adapted for use as the drum tower for a more recently built Islamic mosque following the collapse of the Majapahit kingdom and the coming of Islam. Similarly, the earliest Indonesian mosques draw their inspiration from existing building tradition in Java, and elsewhere in the Archipelago, in which four central posts support a soaring pyramidal roof. In both vernacular and Islamic structure, the four columns are attributed special symbolic significance.
The Dutch and the New Indies Style
Western influences was starting in 1509 when Potugeese and Spaniard starting to explore the eastern world even thought Marco Polo from Venice in 1292 was come to Indonesia for trade activities seeking to seize control of the immensely profitable trade in spices. The Portuguese and Spanish, and later the Dutch, introduced their own architectural agenda to the region and many elements of European architecture subsequently found their way into the local architectural traditions. However this appropriation of ideas was not simply a one-way process: the Dutch readily adopted indigenous architectural elements to create a unique form of colonial architecture known as the Indies Style. More recently in the early decades of this century, Dutch Modernist also consciously turned to the local vernacular as a source of inspiration for a new tropical architecture which combined traditional forms with modern building materials and construction techniques.
Colonial building in Indonesia, especially the longest period by the Dutch1602 – 1945 is very interesting for exploring how the cross culture between the western and eastern in building type and form, and also how the Dutch developed their building acclimatization in tropical region. According to Sumalyo (1993), the architecture of Dutch colonial in Indonesia is a unique culture phenomenon that never been found in other places nor in their own homeland, Netherlands. They were resulted from mixed culture within the colonial and a lot number variation culture in Indonesia.
The difference of Western and Indonesian architecture according to Dutch architect is correlation between building and people. Western architecture (occidental) is a totality construction, while Indonesian’s have been developed as subjective matter, elementary, with preferring outside appearance especially front façade. The natural condition between the sub-tropical Netherlands and wet-tropical Indonesia is also the main consideration of Dutch buildings in Indonesia.
Actually, the Dutch was not directly found the right type for their building developed in Indonesia. During the early European colonization of 18th century, similar building types from four seasons Holland were directly transplanted into the warm-humid climate of tropical Indonesia. Flat facade without veranda, large windows, small eaves and ventilations were commonly seen in the oldest part of Dutch walled city, such as in old Batavia (Widodo and Wong 2002).
According to Sumintardja (1978) VOC had chosen Java Island as a centre of their trading activities and the first building was built in Batavia as a fort of Batavia. Inside the fort, was built houses for colony, had simple form as native houses at the beginning but lately intent to copy the houses style of Western. For bricks wall houses, they imported the materials directly from Holland and also with roof tiles and interior furniture. The houses that became the first tradition were houses without field, in elongated organization just like in Netherlands itself. These houses were two floors, thin in façade but wide inside. These type oh houses lately been used by Chinese after The Dutch changed with bigger houses with wide fields. These houses called as landhuizen that had form without veranda in early period, after got acclimatization with the local climate, these houses were completed with front big veranda just as pendapa or hall in vernacular Javanese building.
In the beginning, these houses were constructed as two stories building, after experiencing from earthquake strikes and also for efficiency purposes, these houses was built just in one floor only. But after the price of land became increase, the houses were built by two stories again.
The invention and innovation in Architectural design became more formal and intensified after the establishment of Architect profession, first under the Public Works (BOW) in 1814-1930. Around 1920s-1930s, the debate on the issue of Indonesian identity and tropical character was very intensive and productive, not only in academic circle but also in the practice. Some Dutch Architects, such as Thomas Karsten, Maclaine Pont, Thomas Nix, C.P.Wolf Schoemaker, and many others, were engaged in very productive discourse in both academic and praxis. The most interesting part in the development of modern Architecture in Indonesia was a period around 1930s, when some Dutch architects and academics developed a new discourse known as the "Indisch-Tropisch" architectural style and urbanism in Indonesia.
Some typical functional characteristics of the house prototype are: separation of service zone from dwelling zone, one function is assigned to one room, veranda spaces and covered connectors, and low building coverage ratio. Some typical formal characteristics of the house prototype are: dominant and articulated pyramid roof, additive and subtractive articulation of the box (body volume), three levels division of head-body-foot, clear distinction of the main house and the annex building, horizontal sun-shading elements, ventilation perforation in the walls, high ceiling of the main house, and Art Deco stylistic elements and decorations. The typologies of the Dutch colonial architecture are; almost big buildings have outer corridors that have double function as a room hub and a buffer from direct sunlight and bigger roof with higher slope and sometime constructed by two layers with the space are used for ventilating the hot air.
The Dutch architects have a good sense in relation with the nature were the buildings are placed. Their senses can be looked from the element of construction were a very aware with the nature. In Sumalyo (1993): Karsten in 1936 reported in the article:” Semarangse kantoorgebouwen” or Two Office Building in Semarang Central Java:
1. Within all of outer column both of first and second floor, there are placed doors, windows, and ventilation that have wide as a span within two column its self. Floor to floor space is too high; 5, 25 m in the first floor and 5 m for the second floor. The higher room, windows and ventilation became a good system of ventilation. For allowing air circulations in the roof, there is a hole ventilation in the upper wall (circle windows)
2. Beside by wide opening and higher room, open corridor in West and East side covers the main room from direct sunlight.
When early urbanization happened in Batavia (Jakarta), there were so many people build the luxurious villa in surrounding the city. Its architecture style were classic but always have well adaptation with the nature with ventilations, windows and open corridors as a buffer from the direct sunlight. In Bandung, Villa Isolla is the one example of this good architecture (by Schoemaker1933)
Indonesian Contemporary Architecture
Soon after the Independence, the modern development took a place in Indonesia. This continued into the 1970s and 1980s when the rapid growth of the Indonesian economy led to massive building programs at every level of development from low-cost housing schemes to factories, airports, shopping malls and skyscrapers. Many of the most prestigious projects were designed by foreign architects who seldom applied themselves to designing for a specifically Indonesian context. More recently, as the world's major city centers, especially those in Asia, have come increasingly to resemble one another, irrespective of local histories, climate and cultural orientations, there has been a growing demand for instilling a sense of place in the built landscape - one that reflects local identities and sensibilities. Postmodernism has encouraged this quest for a 'new architecture' so that today one finds contemporary Indonesian architects again exploring their rich architectural heritage with a view to developing a viable alternative to the hegemony of Modernism.
Localized Indonesian architecture was commonly happen in 50s with the domination of roof forms. The ‘less style’ from colonial building era also broadened with new techniques and equipments like concrete construction, air conditioning, and elevator device. In ten years after its independence, economical condition in Indonesia was not yet strongly enough. The less costly building was born in order to find the modern Indonesian architecture like joglo roof form for the modern buildings.
Residential architecture became broadly developed in 1980 when housing industries just in their beginning. Private houses with their unique architecture were born but not with mass housing. The term of folk house, developing house, prototype house, cheap house, simply house, and main house were known well for the people. This type was constructed with the idea of minimal space, rational construction and non conventional (Sumintardja, 1978)
Questions for Indonesian Architecture
The new movements in architecture such as Modern, Deconstruction, Postmodern, etc seem to be followed in Indonesia especially in Java. But, in reality, it just shows up that they were absorbed and copied in final form only, instead of the ideas and the thinking processes. Do not surprised if later appeared the shallow views; “Gridded façade is Modern, Stepped façade is post Modern” (Atmadi, 1997). Architecture is just only seen as object not as a living milieu.
Sumalyo, (1993) stated that the common views of Western architecture: ‘Purism’, where pointed for Form and Function, is opposite with the tradition concepts that have context with the nature. Another scholar, Kartadiwirya in Budihardjo (1989,) argued, why the principle of tropical ‘nusantara’ architecture rarely been practiced in Indonesia is because the thinking of planning process is never being thought. They just only teach about conventional planning for previous 35 years without changing. It seems also still continuing up to recent days. Unfortunately almost of teaching materials were come from Western way of thinking in architecture which according to Frick, (1997) had produced the weakness of Indonesian architecture. He also explained that Materials using in modern buildings is just because of mass production reason that more ‘Western’ and far away from local tradition. This condition had been triggering the unusual usage of materials and regardless the local condition.
Indonesian Classical Architecture
The typical feature of Indonesian Classical architecture is Candi, a tower-like structure. The origin of Buddhist and Hindu temple are built of stone, which is raised on a basement and surmounted by a stepped pyramidal roof, ornamented with relics. In symbolic terms, the building is as a representation of the legendary Mount Meru, which in Hindu-Buddhist mythology is identified as the residence of the gods. Candi Borobudur structures, the famous 9th-century Buddhists and Candi Prambanan for Hindus in Central Java similarly invoked this idea of cosmic mountain. In the East-Javanese era, the architecture of court culture was developing more indigenous elements rather than Indian elements, and more ever, this court architecture was not in sharp contrast with that of peasant culture. It was only a matter of structural materials that decided the degree and order of architecture, not the ideas which underlay those appearances.
Hindu’s culture is counted for at least 10 centuries had affected Indonesian culture before its connection with Islam. For that long period, the architecture heritance is very limited for some dozens of temples except for Bali Island that still have thousands since the people are still Hindu.
Vernacular Architecture in Indonesia
Traditional and vernacular architecture in Indonesia originates from two sources. One is the great Hindu tradition brought to Indonesia from India via Java. The second is an indigenous architecture pre-dating the Hindu epic. Vernacular houses that most found in rural area are built using natural materials as thatch roof, bamboo poles, woven bamboo, coconut wood, and stone. Buildings are organic statements in complete harmony with the environment. Many of these are temporary such as the offering houses set up before harvest in the rice fields. The Indonesian houses have always been particularly adept using the bamboo.
Traditional Architecture in Indonesia
The oldest vernacular buildings in Indonesia today are no more than about 150 years old. However stone carving on the walls of 9th-century Hindu and Buddhist temples in central Java reveal close correspondences between the domestic architecture of that time and contemporary vernacular forms which are still being built today. The vernacular architecture of Indonesia belongs to an ancient building tradition which can be found throughout of islands Southeast Asia and parts of the mainland. Characteristic feature include post foundations, an elevated living floor and a pitched roof ridge and outward leaning gable ends and constructed from wood and other perishable organic materials.
Islamic Influences in Architecture
Islamic culture in Indonesia was started in 13th AD when in Northern Sumatra was appeared Islamic kingdom Pasai in 1292. Two and a half centuries later along with Western peoples, Islam came to Java. Islam was never spread through Indonesia by political forces like in India nor Turkey. Islamic culture in Indonesia was really intent only in mosques, palaces, and grave buildings.
With the declining power of the Majapahit kingdom the Hindu-Javanese period of Javanese history, highlighted by the grandeur of its kingdom in the fourteenth century with series of great temples, monuments, and old-Javanese and Sanskrit literature, came to an end. Nevertheless, it did not means that this Javanese “Classical Age” was then under the hand of “Barbarians” who took the center stage, nor was it the beginning of Javanese “Dark Age”. Successive Islamic kingdoms were heirs to the sophisticated culture Majapahit, which they adopted by their own genius. The “New Age” produced the mosque of Demak, Kudus and Banten in the sixteenth century, the royal grave-site of Imogiri, and the palaces of Jogjakarta and Surakarta in the eighteenth century. Sanskrit and Old-Javanese literature gradually disappeared to be changed and altered by more contemporary ones. Encourage by the fact that Islam did not introduce any new physical forms and its teachings were taught in mystical ways by the Sufis, this syncretism, unfortunately, failed to establish Islam as a system that totally eliminated Hindu-Javanism. Islamic form used Hindu-Javanese ideas (see Prijotomo, 1988)
The Kudus Mosque with the Hindu’s Style for the Drum Tower and the Gates
The gradual spread of Islam through the region from the 12th century onwards introduced another important set of architectural influences, in this instance, however, the changes were more ideological then technological, the advent of Islam did not lead to the introduction of an entirely new building tradition, but rather saw the appropriation of existing architectural forms, which were reinvented or reinterpreted to suit Muslim requirements, The Kudus drum tower, on the north coast of Java, is a case in point. Resembling a candi build of the 14th-century Majapahit era, the tower was adapted for use as the drum tower for a more recently built Islamic mosque following the collapse of the Majapahit kingdom and the coming of Islam. Similarly, the earliest Indonesian mosques draw their inspiration from existing building tradition in Java, and elsewhere in the Archipelago, in which four central posts support a soaring pyramidal roof. In both vernacular and Islamic structure, the four columns are attributed special symbolic significance.
The Dutch and the New Indies Style
Western influences was starting in 1509 when Potugeese and Spaniard starting to explore the eastern world even thought Marco Polo from Venice in 1292 was come to Indonesia for trade activities seeking to seize control of the immensely profitable trade in spices. The Portuguese and Spanish, and later the Dutch, introduced their own architectural agenda to the region and many elements of European architecture subsequently found their way into the local architectural traditions. However this appropriation of ideas was not simply a one-way process: the Dutch readily adopted indigenous architectural elements to create a unique form of colonial architecture known as the Indies Style. More recently in the early decades of this century, Dutch Modernist also consciously turned to the local vernacular as a source of inspiration for a new tropical architecture which combined traditional forms with modern building materials and construction techniques.
Blenduk church and Lawang Sewu building, examples of the Dutch architecture (source; www.baligamelan.com)
Colonial building in Indonesia, especially the longest period by the Dutch1602 – 1945 is very interesting for exploring how the cross culture between the western and eastern in building type and form, and also how the Dutch developed their building acclimatization in tropical region. According to Sumalyo (1993), the architecture of Dutch colonial in Indonesia is a unique culture phenomenon that never been found in other places nor in their own homeland, Netherlands. They were resulted from mixed culture within the colonial and a lot number variation culture in Indonesia.
The difference of Western and Indonesian architecture according to Dutch architect is correlation between building and people. Western architecture (occidental) is a totality construction, while Indonesian’s have been developed as subjective matter, elementary, with preferring outside appearance especially front façade. The natural condition between the sub-tropical Netherlands and wet-tropical Indonesia is also the main consideration of Dutch buildings in Indonesia.
Actually, the Dutch was not directly found the right type for their building developed in Indonesia. During the early European colonization of 18th century, similar building types from four seasons Holland were directly transplanted into the warm-humid climate of tropical Indonesia. Flat facade without veranda, large windows, small eaves and ventilations were commonly seen in the oldest part of Dutch walled city, such as in old Batavia (Widodo and Wong 2002).
According to Sumintardja (1978) VOC had chosen Java Island as a centre of their trading activities and the first building was built in Batavia as a fort of Batavia. Inside the fort, was built houses for colony, had simple form as native houses at the beginning but lately intent to copy the houses style of Western. For bricks wall houses, they imported the materials directly from Holland and also with roof tiles and interior furniture. The houses that became the first tradition were houses without field, in elongated organization just like in Netherlands itself. These houses were two floors, thin in façade but wide inside. These type oh houses lately been used by Chinese after The Dutch changed with bigger houses with wide fields. These houses called as landhuizen that had form without veranda in early period, after got acclimatization with the local climate, these houses were completed with front big veranda just as pendapa or hall in vernacular Javanese building.
In the beginning, these houses were constructed as two stories building, after experiencing from earthquake strikes and also for efficiency purposes, these houses was built just in one floor only. But after the price of land became increase, the houses were built by two stories again.
The invention and innovation in Architectural design became more formal and intensified after the establishment of Architect profession, first under the Public Works (BOW) in 1814-1930. Around 1920s-1930s, the debate on the issue of Indonesian identity and tropical character was very intensive and productive, not only in academic circle but also in the practice. Some Dutch Architects, such as Thomas Karsten, Maclaine Pont, Thomas Nix, C.P.Wolf Schoemaker, and many others, were engaged in very productive discourse in both academic and praxis. The most interesting part in the development of modern Architecture in Indonesia was a period around 1930s, when some Dutch architects and academics developed a new discourse known as the "Indisch-Tropisch" architectural style and urbanism in Indonesia.
Some typical functional characteristics of the house prototype are: separation of service zone from dwelling zone, one function is assigned to one room, veranda spaces and covered connectors, and low building coverage ratio. Some typical formal characteristics of the house prototype are: dominant and articulated pyramid roof, additive and subtractive articulation of the box (body volume), three levels division of head-body-foot, clear distinction of the main house and the annex building, horizontal sun-shading elements, ventilation perforation in the walls, high ceiling of the main house, and Art Deco stylistic elements and decorations. The typologies of the Dutch colonial architecture are; almost big buildings have outer corridors that have double function as a room hub and a buffer from direct sunlight and bigger roof with higher slope and sometime constructed by two layers with the space are used for ventilating the hot air.
The Dutch architects have a good sense in relation with the nature were the buildings are placed. Their senses can be looked from the element of construction were a very aware with the nature. In Sumalyo (1993): Karsten in 1936 reported in the article:” Semarangse kantoorgebouwen” or Two Office Building in Semarang Central Java:
1. Within all of outer column both of first and second floor, there are placed doors, windows, and ventilation that have wide as a span within two column its self. Floor to floor space is too high; 5, 25 m in the first floor and 5 m for the second floor. The higher room, windows and ventilation became a good system of ventilation. For allowing air circulations in the roof, there is a hole ventilation in the upper wall (circle windows)
2. Beside by wide opening and higher room, open corridor in West and East side covers the main room from direct sunlight.
When early urbanization happened in Batavia (Jakarta), there were so many people build the luxurious villa in surrounding the city. Its architecture style were classic but always have well adaptation with the nature with ventilations, windows and open corridors as a buffer from the direct sunlight. In Bandung, Villa Isolla is the one example of this good architecture (by Schoemaker1933)
Villa Isolla, one of the Dutch masterpieces of architecture in Indonesia (source: Prijotomo, 1996)
Indonesian Contemporary Architecture
Soon after the Independence, the modern development took a place in Indonesia. This continued into the 1970s and 1980s when the rapid growth of the Indonesian economy led to massive building programs at every level of development from low-cost housing schemes to factories, airports, shopping malls and skyscrapers. Many of the most prestigious projects were designed by foreign architects who seldom applied themselves to designing for a specifically Indonesian context. More recently, as the world's major city centers, especially those in Asia, have come increasingly to resemble one another, irrespective of local histories, climate and cultural orientations, there has been a growing demand for instilling a sense of place in the built landscape - one that reflects local identities and sensibilities. Postmodernism has encouraged this quest for a 'new architecture' so that today one finds contemporary Indonesian architects again exploring their rich architectural heritage with a view to developing a viable alternative to the hegemony of Modernism.
Contemporary Houses in Indonesia
Localized Indonesian architecture was commonly happen in 50s with the domination of roof forms. The ‘less style’ from colonial building era also broadened with new techniques and equipments like concrete construction, air conditioning, and elevator device. In ten years after its independence, economical condition in Indonesia was not yet strongly enough. The less costly building was born in order to find the modern Indonesian architecture like joglo roof form for the modern buildings.
Residential architecture became broadly developed in 1980 when housing industries just in their beginning. Private houses with their unique architecture were born but not with mass housing. The term of folk house, developing house, prototype house, cheap house, simply house, and main house were known well for the people. This type was constructed with the idea of minimal space, rational construction and non conventional (Sumintardja, 1978)
Questions for Indonesian Architecture
The new movements in architecture such as Modern, Deconstruction, Postmodern, etc seem to be followed in Indonesia especially in Java. But, in reality, it just shows up that they were absorbed and copied in final form only, instead of the ideas and the thinking processes. Do not surprised if later appeared the shallow views; “Gridded façade is Modern, Stepped façade is post Modern” (Atmadi, 1997). Architecture is just only seen as object not as a living milieu.
Sumalyo, (1993) stated that the common views of Western architecture: ‘Purism’, where pointed for Form and Function, is opposite with the tradition concepts that have context with the nature. Another scholar, Kartadiwirya in Budihardjo (1989,) argued, why the principle of tropical ‘nusantara’ architecture rarely been practiced in Indonesia is because the thinking of planning process is never being thought. They just only teach about conventional planning for previous 35 years without changing. It seems also still continuing up to recent days. Unfortunately almost of teaching materials were come from Western way of thinking in architecture which according to Frick, (1997) had produced the weakness of Indonesian architecture. He also explained that Materials using in modern buildings is just because of mass production reason that more ‘Western’ and far away from local tradition. This condition had been triggering the unusual usage of materials and regardless the local condition.
Jumat, 15 Januari 2010
Safe Places from Earthquakes in Indonesia?
Tectonic Conditions of Nusantara (Archipelago)
To be able to answer this question, we must see the geological condition of Indonesia and surrounding areas. Geographically, the territory of Indonesia is located in the area called as archipelago or ‘nusantara’. A series of regional islands spread from Malaya peninsula to the east to Papua, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Timor Leste. The island of Papua (Irian Jaya and Papua New Guinea) is geologically is not part of archipelago but a part of the Australian continent instead.
According to the theory of geology, this archipelago chain are formed by raising layers of earth by the collision of continental plates around it, thus forming thousands of unique islands that do not exist in other parts of the world on this earth. At least four tectonic plates affect the formation of islands in the archipelago starting from the Australian Plate in South, the Eurasian Plate in the Northwest, the Northeast Pacific plate and Philippine plate in the North. Australian tectonic plates moving toward the north-east with speeds ± 7cm per year, the Eurasian plate moving with velocity ± 5cm to the southeast, the Pacific Plate is moving towards the Northwest with a speed of ± 10 cm per year, while the Philippine plate is estimated relatively static since sandwiched between two plates: Eurasia and the Pacific from the opposite direction.
With this kind of tectonic conditions, the archipelago is a region including the most dynamic regions in the world, with the terms or conditions of geology, turbulent layer of earth is always marked by the formation of the surface due to the amount of tectonic activity in the form of trenches and volcanoes both on land and sea. Trench is elongated gap in the earth's surface as a result of separation of two layers of crust are continuously while the volcano is the point where the earth has a liquid solution due to the pressure plates beneath the earth (around it).
On the one hand, this layer of earth, as it will produce a layer of the most fertile soil due to volcanic activity and loose soil from a dynamic layer of soil with abundant ground water resources, on the other side disasters such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are always threatening. That's the positive and negative consequences of this archipelago of the earth, which like it or not should be accepted. God presented a very fertile soil, but also at the same time gives the risk in it. However, humans are blessed with his sense which is expected to be used to solve all their problems.
Back to the questions above; and whether there are regions in Indonesia that is safe from the earthquake disaster?
Ring of Fires
If we visit to Google Earth, we will be able to see very clearly the lines of either the mountains or trenches on land or at sea. These lines are formed as a result of separation or meeting of two continental plates. For the territory of Indonesia, this line can be found starting from the north of Sumatra Island, moving south along the southern island of Sumatra, south of Java Island, south of Nusa Tenggara, Timor Gap, to the interior of the Banda Sea. This is the result of the meeting Australian and Eurasian plates, while in the North, we could see the path from the Philippines East down to the Banda Sea and then turned east on the island of Papua. This is the main route meeting the Pacific Plate, Philippine and Australia. The Banda Sea region can be said of the most dynamic places in the world because there are meeting point of three plates in it.
Other smaller lines can be found around the South China Sea, Celebes Sea, and around the Sea of Guinea. These areas are also characterized as a dynamic region because there are many trenches and volcanoes, but relatively smaller when compared to the main line above. Line that we call Ring of Fires.
Danger region line as Ring of Fires (red and yellow) and a relatively safe area (white). can be seen on the map bellow
Safe area
To be able to determine a relatively safe area would have to be as far as possible from the lines ring of fires. If we draw the line as far as 500km (approximate safe distance from the influence of earthquakes) of the danger lines or ring of fires, we will find such regions in the map. Peninsular Malaysia region, completely safe, northern part of Sumatra consists of the province of Riau, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung is also safe. Singapore and Batam are safe. Most of the islands to West Kalimantan, including Brunei, are safe as well. Only a small part of Java Island around Mount Muria in Central Java is safe. All small islands in between are also safe in the Java Sea.
Then if the entire areas is in dangerous, is all population needed to be moved? Of course it is not. The earthquake is a natural phenomenon of nature. The real killing machine is not the earthquake itself, but the building that used by the people. Awareness and vigilance about the dangers of an earthquake by applying the safety systems and safe buildings is the key to avoid danger and harm both for property and human life.
To be able to answer this question, we must see the geological condition of Indonesia and surrounding areas. Geographically, the territory of Indonesia is located in the area called as archipelago or ‘nusantara’. A series of regional islands spread from Malaya peninsula to the east to Papua, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Timor Leste. The island of Papua (Irian Jaya and Papua New Guinea) is geologically is not part of archipelago but a part of the Australian continent instead.
Map of Indonesia (source: www.indonesian-intros.com)
According to the theory of geology, this archipelago chain are formed by raising layers of earth by the collision of continental plates around it, thus forming thousands of unique islands that do not exist in other parts of the world on this earth. At least four tectonic plates affect the formation of islands in the archipelago starting from the Australian Plate in South, the Eurasian Plate in the Northwest, the Northeast Pacific plate and Philippine plate in the North. Australian tectonic plates moving toward the north-east with speeds ± 7cm per year, the Eurasian plate moving with velocity ± 5cm to the southeast, the Pacific Plate is moving towards the Northwest with a speed of ± 10 cm per year, while the Philippine plate is estimated relatively static since sandwiched between two plates: Eurasia and the Pacific from the opposite direction.
With this kind of tectonic conditions, the archipelago is a region including the most dynamic regions in the world, with the terms or conditions of geology, turbulent layer of earth is always marked by the formation of the surface due to the amount of tectonic activity in the form of trenches and volcanoes both on land and sea. Trench is elongated gap in the earth's surface as a result of separation of two layers of crust are continuously while the volcano is the point where the earth has a liquid solution due to the pressure plates beneath the earth (around it).
On the one hand, this layer of earth, as it will produce a layer of the most fertile soil due to volcanic activity and loose soil from a dynamic layer of soil with abundant ground water resources, on the other side disasters such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are always threatening. That's the positive and negative consequences of this archipelago of the earth, which like it or not should be accepted. God presented a very fertile soil, but also at the same time gives the risk in it. However, humans are blessed with his sense which is expected to be used to solve all their problems.
Similar conditions throughout the region of Sumatra, Java, and NTT due to subduction between Australia and Eurasian plates (source?)
Back to the questions above; and whether there are regions in Indonesia that is safe from the earthquake disaster?
Ring of Fires
If we visit to Google Earth, we will be able to see very clearly the lines of either the mountains or trenches on land or at sea. These lines are formed as a result of separation or meeting of two continental plates. For the territory of Indonesia, this line can be found starting from the north of Sumatra Island, moving south along the southern island of Sumatra, south of Java Island, south of Nusa Tenggara, Timor Gap, to the interior of the Banda Sea. This is the result of the meeting Australian and Eurasian plates, while in the North, we could see the path from the Philippines East down to the Banda Sea and then turned east on the island of Papua. This is the main route meeting the Pacific Plate, Philippine and Australia. The Banda Sea region can be said of the most dynamic places in the world because there are meeting point of three plates in it.
Other smaller lines can be found around the South China Sea, Celebes Sea, and around the Sea of Guinea. These areas are also characterized as a dynamic region because there are many trenches and volcanoes, but relatively smaller when compared to the main line above. Line that we call Ring of Fires.
Danger region line as Ring of Fires (red and yellow) and a relatively safe area (white). can be seen on the map bellow
Safe area
To be able to determine a relatively safe area would have to be as far as possible from the lines ring of fires. If we draw the line as far as 500km (approximate safe distance from the influence of earthquakes) of the danger lines or ring of fires, we will find such regions in the map. Peninsular Malaysia region, completely safe, northern part of Sumatra consists of the province of Riau, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung is also safe. Singapore and Batam are safe. Most of the islands to West Kalimantan, including Brunei, are safe as well. Only a small part of Java Island around Mount Muria in Central Java is safe. All small islands in between are also safe in the Java Sea.
Ring of fires and the most safe places in Indonesia (map: GoogleEarth)
In contrast, parts of Indonesia that we know so far as the largest population in Indonesia across from the northern ,western, and south island of Sumatra, most of the areas in island of Java including Jakarta, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Ambon are vulnerable to earthquakes. It is therefore not wrong if there was an idea to move the Indonesian capital city to the West, or the South Kalimantan. Because it is very important to have a capital in the middle of the country (safe from military attacks from the outside and geographical convenience), the area is very small possibility of a major quake shakes. Then if the entire areas is in dangerous, is all population needed to be moved? Of course it is not. The earthquake is a natural phenomenon of nature. The real killing machine is not the earthquake itself, but the building that used by the people. Awareness and vigilance about the dangers of an earthquake by applying the safety systems and safe buildings is the key to avoid danger and harm both for property and human life.
Haiti Earthquake ... no more Killer Quake Please ...
3 days after I wrote an Expectation for 2010 shocking news is coming now. Haiti has been a stroke by a big earthquake 7.3 on the Richter scale by 10 km depth epicenter. This seems very powerful earthquake and affected Hardly to the region since the location of the center also near to the capital Port-au-Prince. The quake hit at 5 pm (2200 GMT), and witnesses reported panic-Stricken people running into The Streets as offices, hotels, houses and shops collapsed.
The 7.3 magnitude quake - thought to be the most powerful to hit Haiti in more than 200 years. Unsurprisingly, the awareness of the people is assumed very least. From the news, most collapsed buildings are constructed from bricks wall with reinforced framing system. This even worst since this type of buildings are easily collapsed and hit the people inside. Some important buildings are also fallen down including (www.france24.com):
The presidential palace: Following the quake, it was seen in Ruins, its domes collapsed on to flattened walls. President René Préval and his wife were said to be safe, according to Haiti's ambassador to Mexico, but no further details were given on their whereabouts.
Hotel Montana: The luxury hotel that attracts tourists and business travelers collapsed; about 100 of its 300 guests have been evacuated.
The headquarters of the UN mission: The United Nations reported that many staff members in Haiti were unaccounted for after the five-storey building collapsed
Meanwhile .... another earthquake of 6.2 on the Richter scale also stroke Papua Manokwari Indonesia, (0.83 S - 133.36 E) by 26 km depth less than an hour ago. Fortunately, according to the report, no casualty has been found.
Back to the expectation for 2010, hopefuly this catastrophe will be the last earthquake disasster in 2010 (and forward of course ....)
The 7.3 magnitude quake - thought to be the most powerful to hit Haiti in more than 200 years. Unsurprisingly, the awareness of the people is assumed very least. From the news, most collapsed buildings are constructed from bricks wall with reinforced framing system. This even worst since this type of buildings are easily collapsed and hit the people inside. Some important buildings are also fallen down including (www.france24.com):
The presidential palace: Following the quake, it was seen in Ruins, its domes collapsed on to flattened walls. President René Préval and his wife were said to be safe, according to Haiti's ambassador to Mexico, but no further details were given on their whereabouts.
Hotel Montana: The luxury hotel that attracts tourists and business travelers collapsed; about 100 of its 300 guests have been evacuated.
The headquarters of the UN mission: The United Nations reported that many staff members in Haiti were unaccounted for after the five-storey building collapsed
Meanwhile .... another earthquake of 6.2 on the Richter scale also stroke Papua Manokwari Indonesia, (0.83 S - 133.36 E) by 26 km depth less than an hour ago. Fortunately, according to the report, no casualty has been found.
Back to the expectation for 2010, hopefuly this catastrophe will be the last earthquake disasster in 2010 (and forward of course ....)
Which One is Better for Your House; Buying or Building?
Buying or building a house is not an easy job. A gratuitous buying will make you regret later on ... otherwise; any miss managed construction could have drained the contents of your pocket.
Now, if the choice is buying or building, which one is better?
This is of course directly related to the conditions of the person related to the time needed to be spent, the desired quality, the availability of budget, and so on. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of each will be discussed below:
BUYING
Advantages:
Well, the most correct answer of course depends on your own. Wish have a nice home! Hehe ...
Now, if the choice is buying or building, which one is better?
This is of course directly related to the conditions of the person related to the time needed to be spent, the desired quality, the availability of budget, and so on. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of each will be discussed below:
BUYING
Advantages:
- Quick way for owning a house (instant ownership)
- The availability of many types and pricing options in accordance with the funds you have
- Legal Affairs-needed for administration business is easier because it is generally as a part of the seller service
- If it is the form of mass housing, usually easier to resell afterward (transferable)
- Developed neighborhood is usually been formed as general facility
- Quality construction and materials is difficult to be verified
- It's hard to get the house completely meet to your needs and desires, although it is available in many choices
A residential area ready for occupancy
DEVELOPING
Advantages: - Buildings can really meet the needs and personal tastes so it can guarantee the satisfaction of the owner.
- Quality construction and materials can be reassured and in accordance with the budget condition
- The house can be a building with the growing concept ... either in purposes of function or funding
- It can provide better environment in ‘communication’ in order to provide harmony with neighborhood(architectural, environmental, systems, etc.)
- It takes a lot of time, thought, and energy focused on the process of the development
- If it does not managed in proper way, it will cost more
- Need more coordination and consultation with many parties ranging from architects, builders, supervisors, local governments, neighbors, and so on
The house with the concept of 'boutique sales'
However, there are some developers who implement the system 'build after transaction'. In this way both parties gain some benefit because buyers are given the opportunity to determine his house with their personal approach, the developer can save energy according selling-contract only. Of course by 'boutique selling style' prices are considered to be higher.
Well, the most correct answer of course depends on your own. Wish have a nice home! Hehe ...
Is Your House Working properly?
Home is where we spent most of the time. Go home (going home) are words that still heard so sweet and most expected for most people, unless there is a problem of course. But a good residence will not cause many problems right ... ..? How busy your activity you do, without going home, you certainly will not feel comfortable. The house is like a charge for mobile phone, to regain the energy and freshness of both soul and your body. In order to re-charge perfectly, you need a perfect house as well.
More than that, the house is the beginning of life determinants. Tranquility of a house directly affects the next person's life conditions. Environment that is safe, comfortable and peaceful affect the quality of human beings. Therefore, it is certain to consider the quality the house as early in life.
Good quality houses should not always be developed by a high cost. The main thing is that the house must be in accordance with its users and the environment. Needs and desires, character and background of users, are the main aspects to adjust house with its occupants. While the natural conditions to determine the quality of residential security and comfort of nature and other humans around as well.
Every family is unique; it has different level and quality of activities. Family inhabited the house does not necessarily always same room, although they have same in a number of family members, or even the same job. Moreover, different!
Safety has to be seen from how to protect homes from the threat of natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, wind etc, or the threat of other living things from wild animals, insects and human beings of course. Therefore, accuracy of design in this case the use of structure, construction and materials are very important consideration to these aspects. Houses in the earthquake areas, as an example, should be able to resist shocks and made as light as possible, while houses in flood areas have to be constructed by heavyweight materials and as high as possible in order to keep not to float. Houses in urban areas should be made as safe as possible from the threat of the other humanbeing while in rural areas should be safe from animals and insects.
To reach the level of comfort, noise levels of air, light, and sound must be observed. The houses located in the mountainous areas should be different with in the coastal and urban areas. Air flow and humidity, sunlight glare, noise or smells voice is the main determinant of occupancy comfort level. Setting and adjustment of home design will be distinguished in every different condition. Therefore, it always needs a special design.
Please wait for detailed articles about comfort....
More than that, the house is the beginning of life determinants. Tranquility of a house directly affects the next person's life conditions. Environment that is safe, comfortable and peaceful affect the quality of human beings. Therefore, it is certain to consider the quality the house as early in life.
Good quality houses should not always be developed by a high cost. The main thing is that the house must be in accordance with its users and the environment. Needs and desires, character and background of users, are the main aspects to adjust house with its occupants. While the natural conditions to determine the quality of residential security and comfort of nature and other humans around as well.
Optimal space usage examples with a simple material (tropical)
Every family is unique; it has different level and quality of activities. Family inhabited the house does not necessarily always same room, although they have same in a number of family members, or even the same job. Moreover, different!
Safety has to be seen from how to protect homes from the threat of natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, wind etc, or the threat of other living things from wild animals, insects and human beings of course. Therefore, accuracy of design in this case the use of structure, construction and materials are very important consideration to these aspects. Houses in the earthquake areas, as an example, should be able to resist shocks and made as light as possible, while houses in flood areas have to be constructed by heavyweight materials and as high as possible in order to keep not to float. Houses in urban areas should be made as safe as possible from the threat of the other humanbeing while in rural areas should be safe from animals and insects.
To reach the level of comfort, noise levels of air, light, and sound must be observed. The houses located in the mountainous areas should be different with in the coastal and urban areas. Air flow and humidity, sunlight glare, noise or smells voice is the main determinant of occupancy comfort level. Setting and adjustment of home design will be distinguished in every different condition. Therefore, it always needs a special design.
Please wait for detailed articles about comfort....
The Beautiful Cyprus
I don’t know why I have to be in Cyprus again. After spending 2 years in the island for 2005-2006 period, last 2008 I come back to the island to continuing my education there. Only one word may be is the only reason; ‘beautiful’. It is not only the nature but also the people.
Of course the Cypriot girl is beautiful! But I’m not talking about the girls only. I am a non single man who has no any objection about that matter. What I mean is that the people are really friendly. I like all my professors and friends there. They are my real second family while I am abroad. Many times we were spend time not only for study and work, but also for fun, enjoying the life! It is very helpful for me as the foreigner without feeling being to be a stranger.
The nature of Cyprus is definitely Mediterranean with short winter and long summer. Spring time is my favorite times. The island is really turned in so colorful heaven when February comes. Many flowers and fruits can be easily being found, especially in the villages and markets of course. Oranges and grapes are the best in Cyprus. The location of the island is also very strategic point connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. No wonder since ancient time, this very tiny island (if we compare to Java or Sumatera in Indonesia) had been objected for many struggles of many nations, count for Venetian, Lusignan, Roman, Ottoman, Arabic, British, Greek, and Turkish.
Of course the Cypriot girl is beautiful! But I’m not talking about the girls only. I am a non single man who has no any objection about that matter. What I mean is that the people are really friendly. I like all my professors and friends there. They are my real second family while I am abroad. Many times we were spend time not only for study and work, but also for fun, enjoying the life! It is very helpful for me as the foreigner without feeling being to be a stranger.
The nature of Cyprus is definitely Mediterranean with short winter and long summer. Spring time is my favorite times. The island is really turned in so colorful heaven when February comes. Many flowers and fruits can be easily being found, especially in the villages and markets of course. Oranges and grapes are the best in Cyprus. The location of the island is also very strategic point connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. No wonder since ancient time, this very tiny island (if we compare to Java or Sumatera in Indonesia) had been objected for many struggles of many nations, count for Venetian, Lusignan, Roman, Ottoman, Arabic, British, Greek, and Turkish.
Cyprus in the spring
Fullmoon in Cyprus Apartment
Morning in the great mosque
Me and my ex girl friend
Me with My Prof. Erdal and Prof. Nurten Family
Me with My Prof. Ibrahim and friends
Me and My Prof. Ibrahim in his home
Is Reinforced Concrete Structure Safe for Post Earthquake Housing?
For the case of Yogyakarta, until nowadays no one has dared to argue that one hundred percent of the building will be safe from the possible threat of an earthquake similar to the May 27th 2006. But at least, most competent hand-sides have convinced that new reconstruction buildings after the earthquake in 2006 are in better quality compare the older one. This is certainly cannot be denied due to the fact that these buildings have been built using the 'up-to-date' construction and structural system.
The problem is by the high confidence of the various parties including residents, should not reduce the level of awareness of the possibility of the similar danger in the future. The location of the island of Java in particular and Indonesia in general is likely to get earthquake attack at any time. According to some sources up to 3000-5000 times earthquakes happen every year in Indonesia.
Reinforced Concrete Structure
From the view of the habitant community in the area such as Yogyakarta, the use of reinforced concrete materials has been seen as a guarantee of their safety from the dangers of earthquakes. This can be understood since most of the collapsed houses which only use masonry before, without the framework of reinforced concrete. Other options such as using steel or wooden houses are considered either too expensive or too low quality (e.g. the construction of bamboo house is always assumed as a poor house). The safety seems will be assured only by how good mix of concrete and large diameter of reinforcement steel they use. The assurance of salvation seems to be taken for granted.
Unfortunately, the safety factor of a building from the earthquake was not enough to be seen from the use of 'strong material' alone. Starting from the location, building design, structural systems design, precise construction, construction process, appropriate usage of materials, to use all of the building will greatly affect the safety level of the building and its users.
Location Factors
Problem on location factor such as located in danger area, generally cannot be solved except by moving from the zone to the relatively more secure. Mass transmigration or bedol deso (village migration) is not easy solution to apply, although it has been done by local government of Bantul by sending approximately 400 families to Sumatera Island in 2009. But the problem is that the population in the area is still high. Other solutions would be highly desirable such as a proposal is to minimize the impact of earthquake shocks by adding a buffer or damping media such as sand base beneath the whole of building foundation.
Building Design
Ideal design for earthquake safe house should use a simple form. Usually, for the reconstruction of houses or new houses after the earthquake, the buildings are commonly in simple form. This is will become a problem later when the process of addition and enlargement of the houses done by the occupants afterward as their increasing needs. Simple buildings are changed to very complex both from the form and layout (plan). Though the buildings are already using reinforced concrete materials with wide diameter steel bar inside, a complex forms of building will very vulnerable to deal with earthquake shocks. Not to mention the quality of connections between the old and new buildings.
System Structure
The proper structural system would be in accordance with the nature of the material used. Wooden structure is using flexible structure principle, opposed to reinforced concrete structural system where have to be completely rigid. Applying new materials such as reinforced concrete by the old fashion (as same as using wood) should not be done. Unfortunately the people are proven to do this for example by replacing the wooden frame with casing concrete system exactly in the similar way without considering the material properties. Wooden truss-frame should be free to move by applying flexible joint (roll and hinge) while the reinforced concrete should be stiff, relating directly to the columns. Unfortunately, by forming the framework of concrete that seemed to be wood system is very popular in the area. This is very dangerous for residents because the concrete is very heavy and will be easily to fall when earthquake strike, if installed improper way.
Construction
The accuracy of construction method is also very important factor for the safety of building users. Many concrete frame houses in Bantul district were prooven to be failed and still took many casualties because of the weakness of the wall and column connection. Heavy brick walls will easily collapse if not fitted with adequate anchor to the columns, or the wall is too wide (rarely practical column).
Field Implementation
Construction process in the field can also affect the safety of the building even if buildings using good quality raw materials. Starting from the material mixing process to the installation will be very important to be considered. In the case of concrete material, although applying with more cement quantity mixture, without well stirred, or lack of water, concrete final produced will brittle and the strength will be lessen. Similarly, in the arrangement of reinforced steel connections without overlapping and bending would be extremely vulnerable. Applying all other aspects without tied field inspection just will put the building remains in danger.
Material Selection
The accuracy of the material also directly affects the safety of the building and its occupants. Back to one of the cases above example, the light wooden roof frame should not taken as precedence for applying heavy concrete structure, although the common people considers 'concrete is stronger than wood'. Because if there is a shock, heavy objects will potentially greater to fall following the Newton's second law F = MA. It will be worsen if the structural design and construction are not properly done.
Building Use
So is the use of the building. The arrangement of furnitures though not too significant for burdening the structures (such as a heavy chandelier or wall shelves) will still affect the safety in an earthquake. Perhaps the building remained standing but the lights or shelves may fall down hitting the inhabitants. Likewise, the placement of heavy cabinet that can be collapsed also will block resident evacuation. All of this will affect the security level of a building.
Conclusion
Many things should be considered to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants in the event of an earthquake. Assumptions that are less true, especially with the use of materials and structural systems still need to be reviewed again. Further study is needed to ensure the safety level of the building and its occupants against earthquake.
How do you think? Regards ....
The problem is by the high confidence of the various parties including residents, should not reduce the level of awareness of the possibility of the similar danger in the future. The location of the island of Java in particular and Indonesia in general is likely to get earthquake attack at any time. According to some sources up to 3000-5000 times earthquakes happen every year in Indonesia.
Reinforced concrete frame with steel bar
Reinforced Concrete Structure
From the view of the habitant community in the area such as Yogyakarta, the use of reinforced concrete materials has been seen as a guarantee of their safety from the dangers of earthquakes. This can be understood since most of the collapsed houses which only use masonry before, without the framework of reinforced concrete. Other options such as using steel or wooden houses are considered either too expensive or too low quality (e.g. the construction of bamboo house is always assumed as a poor house). The safety seems will be assured only by how good mix of concrete and large diameter of reinforcement steel they use. The assurance of salvation seems to be taken for granted.
House with reinforced concrete framework
Unfortunately, the safety factor of a building from the earthquake was not enough to be seen from the use of 'strong material' alone. Starting from the location, building design, structural systems design, precise construction, construction process, appropriate usage of materials, to use all of the building will greatly affect the safety level of the building and its users.
The concrete frame are popular both for reconstruction and new houses
Location Factors
Problem on location factor such as located in danger area, generally cannot be solved except by moving from the zone to the relatively more secure. Mass transmigration or bedol deso (village migration) is not easy solution to apply, although it has been done by local government of Bantul by sending approximately 400 families to Sumatera Island in 2009. But the problem is that the population in the area is still high. Other solutions would be highly desirable such as a proposal is to minimize the impact of earthquake shocks by adding a buffer or damping media such as sand base beneath the whole of building foundation.
Building Design
Ideal design for earthquake safe house should use a simple form. Usually, for the reconstruction of houses or new houses after the earthquake, the buildings are commonly in simple form. This is will become a problem later when the process of addition and enlargement of the houses done by the occupants afterward as their increasing needs. Simple buildings are changed to very complex both from the form and layout (plan). Though the buildings are already using reinforced concrete materials with wide diameter steel bar inside, a complex forms of building will very vulnerable to deal with earthquake shocks. Not to mention the quality of connections between the old and new buildings.
System Structure
The proper structural system would be in accordance with the nature of the material used. Wooden structure is using flexible structure principle, opposed to reinforced concrete structural system where have to be completely rigid. Applying new materials such as reinforced concrete by the old fashion (as same as using wood) should not be done. Unfortunately the people are proven to do this for example by replacing the wooden frame with casing concrete system exactly in the similar way without considering the material properties. Wooden truss-frame should be free to move by applying flexible joint (roll and hinge) while the reinforced concrete should be stiff, relating directly to the columns. Unfortunately, by forming the framework of concrete that seemed to be wood system is very popular in the area. This is very dangerous for residents because the concrete is very heavy and will be easily to fall when earthquake strike, if installed improper way.
Construction
The accuracy of construction method is also very important factor for the safety of building users. Many concrete frame houses in Bantul district were prooven to be failed and still took many casualties because of the weakness of the wall and column connection. Heavy brick walls will easily collapse if not fitted with adequate anchor to the columns, or the wall is too wide (rarely practical column).
Field Implementation
Construction process in the field can also affect the safety of the building even if buildings using good quality raw materials. Starting from the material mixing process to the installation will be very important to be considered. In the case of concrete material, although applying with more cement quantity mixture, without well stirred, or lack of water, concrete final produced will brittle and the strength will be lessen. Similarly, in the arrangement of reinforced steel connections without overlapping and bending would be extremely vulnerable. Applying all other aspects without tied field inspection just will put the building remains in danger.
Material Selection
The accuracy of the material also directly affects the safety of the building and its occupants. Back to one of the cases above example, the light wooden roof frame should not taken as precedence for applying heavy concrete structure, although the common people considers 'concrete is stronger than wood'. Because if there is a shock, heavy objects will potentially greater to fall following the Newton's second law F = MA. It will be worsen if the structural design and construction are not properly done.
Building Use
So is the use of the building. The arrangement of furnitures though not too significant for burdening the structures (such as a heavy chandelier or wall shelves) will still affect the safety in an earthquake. Perhaps the building remained standing but the lights or shelves may fall down hitting the inhabitants. Likewise, the placement of heavy cabinet that can be collapsed also will block resident evacuation. All of this will affect the security level of a building.
Conclusion
Many things should be considered to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants in the event of an earthquake. Assumptions that are less true, especially with the use of materials and structural systems still need to be reviewed again. Further study is needed to ensure the safety level of the building and its occupants against earthquake.
How do you think? Regards ....
Reconstruction for the Buried Ancient Temple in UII
Although the process of excavation sites of ancient temples in Kimpulan Indonesian Islamic University (UII) Yogyakarta until this writing not yet completed, some initial suspicion has been able to put forward relating to the form of temples. According to the results of excavations, which are clear, this temple has a unique shape that is different from the temples of the other in Java. The uniqueness of these is to form a more simple 'minimalist' although the technique is very subtle. This minimalist temple thought to have its own historical factors as the construction period. Another interesting matter is the anticipated use of wood materials that thought never used previously for temples in Java.
And what about the use of materials from wood? Is there any connection with an earthquake or Mount Merapi??
How do you think?
Eskavasi Temple in UII (candiuii.blogspot.com)
According to the authors, who are not archaeologists, the temple in the UII forms is similar to the form of bales kulkul in Bali; form of elevated platform square (or rectangular?) With a ladder from wood which is expected character of bale kulkul. Tajug or prism roof with wooden columns can also be applied to the temples in this UII. Although the authors have not directly visit this temple site, the prediction can be done according to the evidence available, the physical form of the temple and found the former base in the fence of the temple.
Reconstruction of the temple in the UII
Chain of Java and Bali temple
In this issue seems to be assumed that this temple has a large role in revealing cut off the chain of Hindu temples of Java with the Hindu temples of Bali. We know that there are large differences and material forms of Hindu temples in both regions, although originating from the same community, the Javanese Hindu in the old Mataram in 9-10th Century. The conclusion is that the author while in UII temple was built in the days before the end of the Mataram Hindu just before the community migrated from Java to Bali.
UII temple reconstruction and Bale Hair Kulkul Sivi (warungnet.de)
Suppose the BP3 excavation team have finished digging, found the inscription, or through the process of carbon dating, perhaps this paper can be proven true or not. Wallahualam ... ..
And what about the use of materials from wood? Is there any connection with an earthquake or Mount Merapi??
How do you think?
Kamis, 14 Januari 2010
Why Javanese Houses were Easily Collapsed on the 2006 Earthquake?
Introduction:
This topic is the initial thought of my study, why Javanese houses were so easily collapsed in the 2006 earthquake and caused a lot of casualties?
Allegation:
Several reasons for this issue are given below with the expectations to conduct of study to prove it by the scientific method. At least there are two main factors causing this 'failure' of the Javanese house from the earthquake, the environment as external factors and the house itself as an internal factor that will significantly influenced by several things:
1. The epicenter of the May 27, 2006 earthquake was occurred in very close to the settlement
Although the earthquake was ‘only’ with the power of magnitude 5.9 (BMG) or 6.2 (USGS) Richter Scale, but the epicenter was close to the settlement of the population. It was also relatively shallow with a depth of 10km. If the earthquake source close to the object, it will have greater intensity as VIII-IX MMI (Merchali Modified Intensity). This measurement is applied to level the impact on the local influence of the earthquake, rather than in the center such as the Ritcher scale.
2. Local geology conditions that support the spread of the earthquake energy easily.
Bantul and Klaten districts are located in a relatively fertile compared with Gunung Kidul. If we draw a line from the Klaten to Bantul districts, the area was actually on top of the fault of Opak which is identified by loose soil conditions. Unfortunately, these conditions produce relatively more fertile soil when compared with Gunung Kidul district which the land consists of layers of limestone rocks (karts). So, it is not wonder if dense settlements located on it. In the event of an earthquake, buildings in this area would be easier to get a bigger influence. That is why in Klaten and Bantul regions have high number collapsed buildings more compared to other regions.
3. The Javanese houses are not in accordance with natural conditions anymore
Javanese houses are always changing in accordance with the time. Unfortunately the change is more influenced by external factors such as changing in life outlook and economic conditions. Traditionally, the Javanese houses are wooden houses (gebyok) which consists of several types such as Joglo, Limasan, or Kampung. Along to successive age, changes in materials such as replacing wooden wall by brick wall, replacing wooden columns by reinforced concrete and so on. These changes will directly affect the performance of the home from natural phenomena such as earthquakes.
4. The earthquake was long time not happened before 2006.
If an earthquake occurs periodically, according to the theory of geology would not produce a big earthquake. Unfortunately prior to 2006, it almost never happened since 1943. Time span of 60 years was enough to gather enough potential energy to produce a large earthquake.
From the human side, which has long been an earthquake does not occur has lowered the level of their awareness of their occupancy in save buildings. Not only for economic reasons alone, the application of construction also because of lack awareness of the people to potential threat of earthquake hazards.
So, for that reasons Javanese houses were easily down by the earthquake in 2006. Any other views?
This topic is the initial thought of my study, why Javanese houses were so easily collapsed in the 2006 earthquake and caused a lot of casualties?
Allegation:
Several reasons for this issue are given below with the expectations to conduct of study to prove it by the scientific method. At least there are two main factors causing this 'failure' of the Javanese house from the earthquake, the environment as external factors and the house itself as an internal factor that will significantly influenced by several things:
1. The epicenter of the May 27, 2006 earthquake was occurred in very close to the settlement
Although the earthquake was ‘only’ with the power of magnitude 5.9 (BMG) or 6.2 (USGS) Richter Scale, but the epicenter was close to the settlement of the population. It was also relatively shallow with a depth of 10km. If the earthquake source close to the object, it will have greater intensity as VIII-IX MMI (Merchali Modified Intensity). This measurement is applied to level the impact on the local influence of the earthquake, rather than in the center such as the Ritcher scale.
2. Local geology conditions that support the spread of the earthquake energy easily.
Bantul and Klaten districts are located in a relatively fertile compared with Gunung Kidul. If we draw a line from the Klaten to Bantul districts, the area was actually on top of the fault of Opak which is identified by loose soil conditions. Unfortunately, these conditions produce relatively more fertile soil when compared with Gunung Kidul district which the land consists of layers of limestone rocks (karts). So, it is not wonder if dense settlements located on it. In the event of an earthquake, buildings in this area would be easier to get a bigger influence. That is why in Klaten and Bantul regions have high number collapsed buildings more compared to other regions.
3. The Javanese houses are not in accordance with natural conditions anymore
Javanese houses are always changing in accordance with the time. Unfortunately the change is more influenced by external factors such as changing in life outlook and economic conditions. Traditionally, the Javanese houses are wooden houses (gebyok) which consists of several types such as Joglo, Limasan, or Kampung. Along to successive age, changes in materials such as replacing wooden wall by brick wall, replacing wooden columns by reinforced concrete and so on. These changes will directly affect the performance of the home from natural phenomena such as earthquakes.
4. The earthquake was long time not happened before 2006.
If an earthquake occurs periodically, according to the theory of geology would not produce a big earthquake. Unfortunately prior to 2006, it almost never happened since 1943. Time span of 60 years was enough to gather enough potential energy to produce a large earthquake.
From the human side, which has long been an earthquake does not occur has lowered the level of their awareness of their occupancy in save buildings. Not only for economic reasons alone, the application of construction also because of lack awareness of the people to potential threat of earthquake hazards.
So, for that reasons Javanese houses were easily down by the earthquake in 2006. Any other views?
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