Marginalized Modern Architectural Heritage in Indonesia: The case of transformator huisje (gardu listrik) architecture of the Nederlandsche Indisch era

This study is in order to implement the mandate of UNESCO (2003) on the documentation
of architectural heritage of the modern period of the 19th-20th century, where in reality
several typologies of architectural heritage are currently in a marginalized condition. As part
of the history of modern architecture in Indonesia, transformator huisje (Dutch) or “gardu listrik”
(Indonesian) which still exist today, are not widely known as buildings that have important
values in the past. This study aims to reveal whether transformator huisje architecture is
classified as Modern Heritage, by tracing its historical background. Architectural analysis of 61
transformator huisje was conducted to build a “genesis”da scheme of origindof transformator
huisje which can explain how this type of architecture was formed in accordance with the
values or principles of modern architecture. The study findings show that all design features of
transformator huisje as buildings for machines are strong representations of Modern Architectural
Heritage in Asia, especially the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). In conclusion, with the
finding that transformator huisje is categorized as Modern Architectural Heritage, a strategy
is needed to maintain this type of architecture as evidence of modern civilization in Indonesia.