Historical Analysis of Urban Morphology: A Coastal City Model of Lasem, Java, Indonesia

Historical records indicate that Lasem, a petite coastal town in Java, Indonesia, boasts a rich lineage commencing around 7-8 AD. Several distinct periods, encompassing the Hindu-Majapahit, Islamic, Chinese-Muslim, Colonial, Japanese, Independence, and Post-independence eras, have been identified as shaping the town's evolution. This study endeavored to elucidate the urban morphological shifts observed in Lasem over these diverse epochs, intending to derive a model for small coastal cities. Utilising a qualitative case study methodology, data was extracted from Pratiwo's sketch map, supplemented by historical maps archived in kit.nl.lv and the Tropen Museum collection. By juxtaposing the temporal modifications of Lasem's structure, connections were drawn with extant theories. The resultant findings reveal a city morphology moulded by both constant (rivers and squares) and evolving structural elements (notably the introduction of Daendels Street and the railroad during colonial rule). Distinctively, Lasem's configuration diverges from typical Southeast Asian coastal towns, primarily attributed to its modest size, which obviated the construction of Dutch defensive forts. Consequently, the formulated model for Lasem presents a four-stage developmental sequence, uniquely omitting the ‘fort city’ stage commonly observed in coastal city frameworks. This novel model furnishes profound insights into the urban morphology of comparable coastal towns, offering a robust platform for devising tailored urban planning and developmental stratagems for similar contexts.