Maritime Tradition and the Culture of Urbanism in the IndonesianMalay Archipelago: Evolution of Banda Aceh and Demak of Indonesia

Since the prehistoric times, maritime trade has characterized economic activities in the Southeast Asian archipelago. However, the emergence of urbanism and state polity of ‘negara’ in this region was not earlier than the fourth century. It came into being under the influence of Sanskrit culture from India. During the period between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, the state polity had transformed and adjusted the maritime contacts and interactions with the Persian, Arab, Indian, and Chinese merchants. The outcome of this assimilation and enculturation between the locality and the foreign influence is the hybrid concept behind ‘negara’ and ‘bandar’. In this context, this paper examines how this syncretism works and is possible. The research employs a case study approach involving observations, a literature study and interviews with local experts as qualitative research tools. It concludes that maritime culture and traditions contribute to urbanism to uphold and sustain the livability of towns and cities at the coastal area of Indonesia. The evolutions of Banda Aceh and Demak Since 1500 – 1700 have been founded on these traditions and culture. Moreover, its livability has been made possible by the synergy of ecological and economic sustainability of the coastal region. The paper divulges and unfolds the local concepts and historical traces that underpin and conserve the practice of maritime urbanism in Indonesia since the 15th century, with reference to precolonial, colonial, and post-colonial city of Demak, Java and the city of Banda Aceh, Sumatra Indonesia.