Is vernacular the new modern? Reflections on movements, changes and preservation in Indonesia

This chapter focuses on vernacular “movements” in western Indonesia, and particularly in Java, a region that looks back at a long tradition of developing and refining cultural expressions in arts and crafts, music and dance, as well as in architecture and housing.
Despite a strong emphasis on development and modernisation in political and social programmes throughout twentieth century Indonesia, the “virtues” and (monetary) value of, often unique, vernacular productions and products have been preserved and, more recently, (re-)discovered or even reinvented. This trend has largely been lived and supported by a growing Indonesian middle-class and elites for whom the vernacular may represent a connection to the past, to local and class identity, an aesthetic tool of distinction, or a new lifestyle.
The most prestigious examples of Javanese vernacular architecture, the joglo and limasan, for instance, have become objects of desire and trading goods that are much sought after. Despite being bigger and more monumental than most other objects, these houses are not static and “rooted” in their places of origin but can be moved if necessary. Changing owners therefore often means a change of meanings as well as of place.
The author discusses the reception and re-interpretation of local traditions and vernacularity in the context of contemporary demands, desires and tastes.