The Hermitage Hotel Building in the Context of Indies Cultural Heritage

Abstract

The heritage building located at Jl. Cilacap No. 4, now known as The Hermitage Hotel in Jakarta, embodies a rich historical narrative rooted in the Indies cultural era. Constructed in the early 20th century, the building represents a fusion of colonial and local architectural elements that characterize the period’s unique stylistic identity. This article aims to explore the social and cultural significance of The Hermitage by applying Pierre Bourdieu’s sociological framework—particularly the concepts of habitus, capital, and field. Through this lens, the building is interpreted as a reflection of colonial-era social and cultural dynamics. The habitus of the colonial elite—shaped by European lifestyles—is evident in the building’s luxurious design, while adaptations to the tropical climate point to the influence of local habitus. Various forms of capital are at play: economic capital in its construction investment, cultural capital in architectural knowledge, social capital through elite networks, and symbolic capital in its function as a marker of status. The Hermitage also functioned as a field where colonial elites asserted power and prestige through political and social gatherings. Its transformation into a luxury hotel signifies a shift in the building’s function within a new socio-economic context, while still retaining its symbolic significance. This article demonstrates that The Hermitage is not merely a physical structure, but a cultural artifact shaped by and reflective of the social structures and identities of its time, enriching the discourse on the relationship between architecture and identity in colonial Indonesian history.