International Zoom Seminar Urbanism, Architecture & Art History (GUU onderzoeker INA- NL) 18 th Episode
Wadah and Wiji: Fundamental Concepts of Javanese Philosophy in the Context of the Javanese and Indonesia cities
Abstract:
The Javanese philosophical concepts of wadah (container) and wiji (seed) encapsulate a profound understanding of the interplay between the physical and metaphysical aspects of existence. In the context of Javanese and Indonesian cities, wadah represents the tangible elements—urban structures, roads, and architecture—while wiji embodies the deeper identity, historical continuity, and cultural essence that define a city's spirit. This duality underscores the holistic perspective in Javanese urbanism, where balance between material development and cultural integrity is essential.
Traditional Javanese urban planning and contemporary Indonesian city-building efforts reflect this philosophical framework, striving to preserve heritage while accommodating modern needs. By integrating wadah and wiji, cities can foster a harmonious coexistence between physical infrastructure and the intangible sense of place, ensuring sustainability in both form and meaning. This perspective offers valuable insights into how urban environments evolve while maintaining their unique identity within a rapidly changing world.
Presenter:
Prof. Peter B. R. Carey
A British historian specializing in Southeast Asian history, particularly Indonesia, an Emeritus Professor at Oxford and a former Visiting Professor at Universitas Indonesia (2013-2023), his Oxford dissertation on Prince Diponegoro was later translated into Kuasa Ramalan (2012) and Takdir (2014) & has also published works: Conversations with Diponegoro (2019).
Moderator:
Dr cand. Bimo Hernowo, ST, MEng, Dipl. Postgrad. Reg & Stadtpl.
Former I-ARCH Magazine European Correspondent, Member of ICOMOS the Netherlands, Founder of Societal Architects Association (SAA), PhD researcher Utrecht University & Researcher on the project of Traces of Power: Engineers Between Palaces and Fortifications (1746-1808), University of Sevilla, Spain.
Date: Saturday, 12 July 2025
Time: 16.00 WIB (Jakarta time) / 11:00 an CEST (Amsterdam time)
Locations: Fukuoka, Amsterdam, Maastricht, Groningen, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Solo, Yogyakarta, Medan, Jakarta, Frankfurt & Boston.
Via ZOOM :
(Registration will be closed on 10 July 2025, 24:00 WIB)
Organized and supported by :
GUU Nederlands, Maastricht
Soeracarta Heritage Society, Surakarta
RoemahToea, Yogyakarta
Architecture Department, Universitas Katolik Santo Thomas, Medan
Architecture Department, Universitas Pancasila, Jakarta
Architecture Department, North Sumatra University, Medan
Groningen University, Groningen
PhD candidate, Architectural History, Utrecht University, Utrecht
Rumah Budaya Kratonan
Societal Architects Association
Contact Person WhatsApp: (The Netherlands: +31657273050 /Anne), (Indonesia: +6285743044087 /Aga Y.), Email: y.b.hernowo@uu.nl (Curator: Bimo Hernowo).