Compilation of City History Based on Cultural Heritage Areas in the Cities of Surabaya, Makassar and Yogyakarta

This study is a collaborative work between field and archival research of cultural heritage areas and buildings aiming to reconstruct the historical background of the cities in Indonesia. The study was carried out in three cities: Surabaya, Makassar, and Yogyakarta under the consideration that those cities have different historical characteristics. Archival research was conducted in The Library and Documentation Board of Surabaya, The Library and Documentation Board of East Java Province, The National Library of Jakarta, The National Records of Indonesia in Jakarta, Public Library of Special Region of Yogyakarta, Museum Press of Surakarta, Archival Office of Makassar, La Galigo Museum Makassar, Fort Rotterdam Museum Makassar, and Makassar City Museum, to mention some. The results show that the cultural heritage areas, buildings, and objects generally refer to thematic history of the historical background of those cities in the past. The city of Surabaya possesses a strong character as a trading and industrial city. Moreover, it also has governmental and educational sectors as prominent characters. The city of Makassar possesses a strong character as an old governmental center with their internal conflicts, and as a city of harbor. The city of Yogyakarta was established from the remnants of the internal conflict of Mataram Kingdom. The city of Yogyakarta has developed into a traditional authoritative center with a very strong influence of Javanese culture. During the colonialism era, the city became a symbolic battle arena between the Dutch and the Kingdom party.