Symbolic Architecture at Sin Ming Hui Candra Naya Chinese Heritage in West Jakarta, Indonesia

Sin Ming Hui Candra Naya is one of the most significant Chinese heritage buildings in Jakarta, Indonesia, originally built as the residence of the Khouw family, a prominent Chinese-Indonesian lineage during the colonial era. Over time, this heritage structure has undergone substantial changes in form, function, and meaning due to rapid urban development and modernization pressures in Jakarta Chinatown area. This study aims to explore the transformation of Candra Naya’s architecture by focusing on the symbolic values embedded within its evolving spatial expressions. The research employs a qualitative-descriptive method using a symbolic architectural approach, combining architectural ethnography, spatial observation, semiotic analysis, and cultural interpretation. Data collection was conducted through direct site observation, in-depth interviews with heritage experts, community leaders, and local historians, as well as a comprehensive literature review of historical archives, architectural records, and urban policies. The findings reveal that the current architecture of Candra Naya reflects a layered identity—merging traditional Chinese architectural elements such as curved roofs and courtyard configurations with Dutch colonial masonry and tropical adaptations. Symbolically, the building embodies cultural continuity, resilience, and syncretism—representing values of harmony (He), prosperity (Fu), and ancestral reverence. The study also highlights the socio-political significance of the building, as it has shifted from a private mansion to a public cultural icon, reflecting broader changes in urban identity and heritage politics. This research contributes to the growing discourse on heritage architecture in Southeast Asia by offering an interpretive model for understanding the symbolic transformations of hybrid heritage buildings. It emphasizes the need for adaptive reuse and sustainable conservation practices that respect symbolic meanings, while accommodating new functions. The study’s limitations lie in restricted access to certain archival materials and limited participation from descendants of the original family. Nevertheless, the insights generated are valuable for urban planners, conservationists, and cultural scholars concerned with maintaining the identity and legacy of historic architecture in rapidly changing urban contexts.