Architectural Symbolism in the Sultan Hasanuddin Tomb Complex: An Analysis of the Philosophy of the Punden Berundak and the Use of Andesite Stone Material

Fahmi Sambila

Abstract


The Sultan Hasanuddin Royal Tomb Complex in Gowa, South Sulawesi, embodies symbolic architecture that integrates local traditions with Islamic values. This study aims to analyze the philosophy of stepped pyramids (punden berundak) and the use of andesite stone as primary symbolic elements, representing spiritual hierarchy and harmony between humans and nature. Using a qualitative case study method, this research explores the symbolic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of the tomb's design. The findings reveal that the tiered structure reflects a spiritual journey toward the afterlife, while andesite stone symbolizes eternity and the continuity of local traditions. The qibla orientation and minimalist ornaments further emphasize Islamic spiritual values integrated with local culture. This study offers new perspectives on the role of architecture as a medium connecting spiritual, cultural, and environmental values, while providing a foundation for preserving Indonesia's vernacular architectural heritage.

Keywords


Symbolic architecture; stepped pyramids; andesite stone; tomb, culture;

Full Text:

PDF

References


Masgaba, Sritimuryati, Purnamasari Nurul Adliyah, & Makmur. (2023). MAKNA BUDAYA PADA PENGGUNAAN RAGAM HIAS DI KOMPLEKS MAKAM KATANGKA KABUPATEN GOWA Cultural Meaning of the Using of Decorations on Katangka Cemeteries in Gowa Regency (Vol. 21, Nomor 1).

Nuraeni, Ismail, A., Husni, M., Ridwan, M., Hikmah, N., & Nadila, P. (2024). TOMB SITE OF THE KINGS OF GOWA AT THE TOMB COMPLEX OF SULTAN HASANUDDIN (Vol. 26, Nomor 01).

Punto Hendro, E., Sudharto, J. S., & Tembalang Semarang -, K. (2020). Simbol: Arti, Fungsi, dan Implikasi Metodologisnya. Jurnal Ilmiah Kajian Antropologi, 3(2).

Raharja, I. G. M. (2024). Punden Berundak of Pura Penulisan Supporting the Bali Tourism Industry (hlm. 1578–1584). https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-118-0_179

Yondri, L. (2014). STRUKTUR PUNDEN BERUNDAK GUNUNG PADANG DAN ADAPTASI LINGKUNGAN.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/jaz.v8i2.77976

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Ronald Ronald, Sri Handayani

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.