UGM Central Building is now aged 62 since it was inaugurated on December 19, 1959 by President Sukarno. The three-story building in the Bulaksumur complex marked the founding of the first university that was successfully established by the Indonesian government after the Independence. Now, the building still stands majestically and even still looks strong and sturdy. Who is the architect building this UGM central building?
He is GPH Hadinegoro, who was born in Surakarta and settled in Pakualaman, Yogyakarta at that time. The man who earned an engineering degree at the Technische Hooge School of Delft, Netherlands was requested directly by President Sukarno to build the UGM Central Building. "Sukarno introduced Hadinegoro as the architect of UGM Central Building at the building inauguration ceremony. Then, Sukarno invited Hadinegoro to present himself before the foreign guests and ambassadors who were attending the ceremony," said the UGM historical observer, Prof Dr. dr. Sutaryo, Sp.A. (K) in the Workshop of 122 Years Prof. Sardjito: Struggle to Build UGM Central Building, which took place at UGM Senate Hall, Saturday (13/8).
According to Sutaryo, the consideration to choose Hadinegoro was made when Bung Karno decided that Indonesia needed to have a university. The decision was then welcomed by Sri Sultan HB IX by granting his land in Bulaksumur to UGM. Therefore, GPH Hadinegoro was appointed by Bung Karno as the architect. "Prince Hadinegoro lived in Pakualaman. With Bung Karno, they always discussed in Dutch about the architectural concept of this building," said Sutaryo.
Sukarno's decision to choose a local architect was not wasted by Hadinegoro. It took him nine years to build the Central Building, which looks majestic and graceful, containing quite profound values and philosophical meaning. "That could be reflected in architectural forms, ornament, and construction of the building," he said.
UGM Architect, Ir. Ismudianto, M.S, says the construction character of the Central Building was the beginning of modern buildings in Indonesia at that time. Therefore, this building deserves to be maintained and preserved as a historic building. "This building is the first modern building of Indonesia," he said.
Meanwhile, Professor of Department of Architecture, Prof. Ir. Sudaryono, M. Eng., Ph.D., said the grandeur of the Central Building should be made an example for other buildings of UGM and other buildings in Indonesia.