Traces of the Spice Route in the Architecture and City of Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

The spice route is a highly valuable trade route, influencing human civilizations, particularly trade cities along this route from the XIII -XVIII AD. Banjarmasin is one of the cities traversed by this spice route, with its primary commodity being pepper. This research retraces the influence of this trade, juxtaposing it with the formation of the city and the architectural character of the buildings in Banjarmasin up to the present day.This research employs historical qualitative methodology and is located in the city of Banjarmasin, covering the period from the initiation of the spice trade during the Banjarmasin sultanate era to the end of the colonial period in Banjarmasin (1500-1900 AD). The research steps are secondary data collection which serve as raw data for an in-depth study, primary data collection conducted to confirm the previously gathered secondary data, data analysis and interpretation which organized according to the historical context and the environment of the city of Banjarmasin in chronological order until a common thread is obtained. Subsequently, Findings and Compiling research conclusions which the results of the analysis are discussed in relation to various theories or concepts to derive interpretations from the research.It concludes that the spice route played a crucial role in the formation of Banjarmasin, consisting of three stages: the stage where Kampung Keraton evolved into the center of the Banjarmasin sultanate, the stage of the establishment of territorial arrangements due to the spice trade contract between the kingdom and the Dutch East India Company, and the stage of territorial control by the colonial government. The development of local architecture varied, influenced by the knowledge acquired by merchants before colonization, which was applied to their residences, and modern architecture built by the colonial government in the form of various facilities and infrastructure.