THE TRADITION OF ARCHITECTURE CONSERVATION AND THE INTANGIBLE AUTHENTICITY: THE CASE OF KI BUYUT TRUSMI COMPLEX IN CIREBON, INDONESIA

Abstract

The study commences with the premise that architectural conservation and tradition are interrelated concepts, thus it has to be carried out in cultural context. In this respect, the aim of the research is to explore the tradition of conservation in the case of Ki Buyut Trusmi complex in Cirebon. The findings support that there is a close relationship between architectural conservation and tradition, namely the two periodic traditions in the complex, the Memayu and the Ganti Sirap roof renewal. The reasons for the interventions are to secure God¿s blessing prior to the rainy season and the saintly Ki Buyut Trusmi figure, and to sustain social order of the community. In this sense, the notion of tangible authenticity that derives from the nineteenth century European context is unacceptable as the significance of the place resides primarily in its continued spiritual and social meanings. These meanings are in the mind and maintained by the tradition bearer - the kyai or the living authenticity. Based on the findings, a model is proposed to conserve traditional architecture with similar context that related to the notion of impermanence, conserving the spiritual and social values, and the notion of living authenticity.