The amalgamation style of Rumah Gadang in architecture and interior of Istano Basa Pagaruyung in Batusangkar, Indonesia: iconography-iconology analysis

Abstract

Istano Basa Pagaruyung (IBP) is located in West Sumatra, Indonesia has rebuild in 1976 and 2013 after destroyed by fire second times. It transitioned from traditional meeting into a museum in 1990. While IBP resembles the architecture of the Rumah Gadang, it possesses distinctive characteristics that set it apart. The rarity of the Rumah Gadang makes research on this architecture vital for cultural heritage conservation, education, integrative narrative, culture-based design, and continuity of collective memory. This research aims to identify the architectural characteristic form and style of IBP as a form of Rumah Gadang, while also uncovering its structure’s conceptual ideas and intrinsic meanings. The study employs Erwin Panofsky’s iconography-iconology method, which consists of three analysis steps: Pre-iconography description, iconography analysis, and iconology interpretation. In the first step, it is determined that IBP embodies Grand Tradition and Neo-Vernacular architectural style. The second step classifies IBP as a thematic Museum focusing on Anthropology, ethnography, and archaeology. Finally, the interpretation reveals that IBP symbolized the resurgence of the West Sumatra community, which faced decline after the PRRI in 1976. Then, in 2013, it served as an effort to revitalize the local culture and empower the people of West Sumatra to navigate globalization and tourism challenges by returning to the Minangkabau architectural heritage.

Keywords

• Rumah Gadang
• Istano Basa Pagaruyung
• architecture and interior
• iconography-iconology
• West Sumatra
• Vernacular Architecture