Aji Bimarsono, M.Sc., the Chairman Jury of the Bandung City Cultural Heritage Award in 2021, surveyed the BPI building along with Rina Oesman (Chief of Cultural Heritage and Museum from the Department of Tourism and Culture of Bandung), Dr.Eng. Arif Sarwo Wibowo (ITB architecture professor) and jury members from the Aleut Community on Thursday morning (11/11/2021).

The visit was acknowledged by Prof. Wawan Dhewanto, Ph.D. (ITB’s Secretary of Academic Senate), Dr. Allis Nurdini (ITB’s Deputy Director of Infrastructural Facilities), and Agus Suyatno, S.Ars. (ITB’s Chief of Building and Landscape from the Directorate of Insfrastructure).

Rina voiced that the administration of Bandung had consistently held the cultural heritage awards since 2017 as a form of appreciation and recognition. Through the award, the city of Bandung can share its utmost gratitude to both owners and managers who preserved and tended the establishments' assets.

"During the visit, we explore the history, utilization, and stories regarding the joys and hardships of managing the building. We also like to know the hopes for its future,” she added.

History of BPI Building

The BPI building was built in November 1953 by the Austrian architect Ir. Albertus Wilhelm Gmelig Meyling from IBIV (Ingenieursbureau Ingenegeren-Vrijburd) NV Bandung. It was completed in February 1955 and inaugurated on April 7, 1956.

"In the 2000s, the building was initially used for academic practices. However, its function was reestablished for catering activities hosted by the MWA (Board of Trustees), Academic Senate, and more. Examples are the initiation of professors and scientific oration,” Dr. Allis explained.

The heritage of the BPI building is still well-maintained, from its architectural structure to its vintage-nuanced paint color. However, there are additional elements like larger toilets and acoustic rooms for meeting purposes; all expansions still follow the building’s aesthetics and culture.
During the discussion, the building’s resilience towards earthquakes was questioned. Dr. Allis answered there had been no reports of damage so far despite the large earthquakes Bandung had experienced previously. Instead, she asserted that old constructions tend to be more stable. "The structure’s strength was assessed from natural disasters that occurred before."

ITB has several historical properties like the West and East Hall, Villa Merah, Bosscha Observatory, as well as the BPI building. Prof. Wawan hoped to maximize these buildings' functions. However, he also wished to preserve their historical values. "Hence, we want to expand their functions without diminishing its significance.”

The visit ended with the handover of gifts and documentation of the BPI building by the Board of Jury.

Reporter: Adi Permana
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Teknik Lingkungan, 2019)