Jakarta, INTI - As Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, architectural approaches must go beyond aesthetics and prioritize resilience against natural disasters. In a recent discussion involving leading national architects, steel materials were highlighted as playing a strategic role in earthquake mitigation while also preserving cultural identity.
IAI Backs ASEAN Steel Architectural Awards 2026
These views were shared by the Chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI), Ar. Georgius Budi Yulianto, together with Ar. Firman Setia Herwanto, a Panel Jury Member of the ASEAN Steel Architectural Awards 2026, during a series of sustainable architecture discussions held ahead of the ASEAN regional competition in 2026.
On the occasion, Ar. Georgius highlighted construction practices outside Java, particularly in Sumatra, which he considers more adaptive to earthquake risks. The use of metal materials, especially in roof structures, is regarded as safer compared to heavy materials such as clay tiles.
“Outside Java, especially in Sumatra, the use of metal roofing is far more common. The material is lightweight, which reduces risks when earthquakes occur. This is directly related to disaster mitigation efforts,” he said.
According to Georgius, much of the damage and loss of life during earthquakes is caused by the collapse of heavy materials. Steel, with its lightweight yet strong characteristics, offers a relevant solution to reduce such risks.
As a modular and flexible material, steel allows buildings to respond more adaptively to seismic shocks. Knockdown systems also enable the rapid construction of emergency public facilities such as hospitals, schools, and places of worship without compromising structural strength.
Meanwhile, the assumption that the use of steel diminishes traditional architectural character was dismissed by Ar. Firman Setia Herwanto. He emphasized that contemporary architecture no longer views heritage solely as a physical form, but rather as a design philosophy.
“Traditional Indonesian architecture such as Rumah Gadang or Toraja traditional houses has essentially applied principles of flexibility through the use of peg systems without nails. This principle is highly aligned with modern steel technology that is precise and flexible,” Firman explained.
Through this approach, steel actually opens opportunities for the adaptive reuse of older buildings, allowing heritage structures to remain relevant, functional, and safe in the modern era without losing their cultural identity.
The discussion was part of the 2025 Symposium titled “Shaping Resilient Futures: Heritage & Modernity in Steel Architectural Design”, held in collaboration with BlueScope Indonesia. The symposium serves as a strategic initiative by the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) to encourage cross-sector collaboration and foster innovation-driven thinking among national architects.
IAI also expressed its support for the ASEAN Steel Architectural Awards 2026, which will carry the theme “Shaping Resilient Futures: Timeless Design with Coated Steel.” The event is expected to serve as a benchmark for the quality of Indonesian architects’ work at the regional level.
“Indonesian architects possess exceptional talent and a strong diversity of design. Through collaboration with partners such as BlueScope, we want Indonesian architects not merely to be spectators, but to emerge as key players on the international stage,” Ar. Bugar emphasized.
Conclusion
Through its support for the ASEAN Steel Architectural Awards 2026, IAI reinforces its commitment to elevating the standards and global competitiveness of Indonesian architects. By encouraging collaboration with industry partners and promotion innovation through steel-based design, the initiative aims to position Indonesian architecture as a strong and influential force within the ASEAN region and beyond.
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