Bali News, Denpasar – Balinese architecture, which is one of Balinese cultural identity, plays a very important role in the joints of Balinese culture. The uniqueness and beauty of Balinese architecture became the pride of the Balinese for it has been known around the world as a tourism icon. Unfortunately, it is slowly displaced by style of modern architectures, both for public spaces and private homes of the Balinese people themselves. For example is the shopping mall Istana Kuta Galeria located in the Seminyak triangle area. When entering this area, there is a contemporary view of the overlapping styles of architecture that creates feelings of “alienation” in the island itself. Try to also observe the picture of home types offered by estate developers, you will find that not one adopts Balinese architecture. A modern style of living in the house known as the “minimalist” eliminates typical Balinese way of life.
The concern for the loss of Balinese architecture has become the main attention of some architectural experts, but these concerns do not bear real actions along with them. Even after the passing of Provincial Regulation No.3/2005 regarding the Balinese spatial plan, it has been further ignored by the major building owners and developers while the government is reluctant to warn them, except for cases of buildings that exceed boundaries of the beach or exceed the height regulations.
The fact that more Balinese are leaning towards modern architecture does not mean the people of Bali have forgotten ancestral culture. Their ignorance is caused by several obstacles and reasons, mainly financial problems, which forbid them from building houses with Balinese architecture. Some of the reasons include:
1. The narrow and expensive land. As a general note, residential lands in Bali (especially in Denpasar and Badung area) are classified as very expensive even compared to Jakarta. The growing need for housing and the impact of the proliferating foreign investors who want to own land in Bali, are causing land prices to rise several times per year. Meanwhile, Balinese people’s purchasing power is relatively low, so that the middle and low class society are only able to buy land from a range of 60m2 to 100m2 (data based on the average area of land that offered by housing developers). With the width of the area, it is impossible to establish a building in accordance with the concept of “Asta Kosala Kosali” (Balinese concept on architecture), since it actually needs around 100m2 of land to build;
2. The high cost of building materials for Balinese architectural houses. Materials for Balinese house building are very expensive, even several times more expensive than a simple house building materials. From bricks, roof accessories, wooden carved doors and windows, to carved sandstone panels; their prices are certainly not affordable for most low to medium income communities;
3. The high cost of maintenance. Balinese architectural house requires a significant cost of maintenance because of its expensive building materials. As an example usage sandstone or soft bricks require special maintenance to keep mosses out and to avoid fading. Not to mention the glazing of carved wooden windows and doors and the application of special gold paint a few times a year to keep it beautiful and graceful;
4. The influence of fashion. The advancement of education and easy access to information has led the mindset of Balinese people to change their architectural preference. The various models adopted to beautify the house such as: the styles of Spain, Italy, Japan, America, as well as other areas, such as Javanese style with its “gebyok” doors. Balinese nuance is slowly disappearing, eroded by age.
The constraints mentioned are making the people of Bali, especially for the ones with low-middle income unable to implement the typical Balinese architecture in their homes. Only the existence of “Padmasana” (shrine for God) and “Penunggun Karang” (shrine for guardian angel) marks the Balinese architectural houses as it is the minimum standard for holding Hindu prayers. The houses that follow the strong concepts and nuances of Balinese architecture can only be owned by rich people, who are Balinese or even non-Balinese who have a high appreciation of the Balinese culture. Balinese architecture even exists more in large buildings, hotels or villas, in addition to office buildings owned by the government.
While for the public spaces, the government involvement is absolutely necessary for the implementation of regional regulations related to the spatial structure. Issued building permits (IMB) should be reviewed to restore characterization Balinese architecture in every building. Public spaces are instrumental in shaping the image and identity of Bali as well as creating a characterized atmosphere (ambience) of Bali to its visitors. Only a handful of shops crowding along the major roads, such as the By Pass Ngurah Rai Sanur – Nusa Dua, are adopting Balinese architecture, so there is a sense of “emptyness” as the aura or “taksu” (spiritual essence that comes out from mystical places) of Bali is no longer there. Seeing the shops along the same road with a mixed style of architecture, Denpasar will soon be a twin of Jakarta or Surabaya city.
Educational role is also important in the preservation of Balinese architecture. The early disciples should have been taught to know and love the architecture of Bali. Introduction of the concept of Balinese architecture should be included in the teaching program, as in teaching Balinese language and paintings so that students have a chance to get to know their culture. Excursions or museum visits can be used as a media or a fun teaching tool for children. Do not let the Balinese kids no longer recognize the meaning of: Bale Dangin, Bale Dauh, BaleDaja, or the concept of a traditional Balinese kitchen in the future. With the growing love for their culture, the awareness of preserving Balinese culture will automatically follow.
Cooperation and awareness of all parties is needed to restore the existence of Balinese architecture in the public and private spaces. The government needs to tighten the IMB (Building Development License) for large buildings in the highway to implement typical Balinese architecture in the design. Spatial planning regulations should be implemented so that the housing developer can market characterized houses. In the case of private houses, considering the limited land and limited budget, the developer may only be imposed to the Balinese design, not the application of the whole concept. However, Balinese architectural preservation is the responsibility of us all. –ketut suasti-