An impressive historical heritage, the Mausoleum at Peneleh European Cemetery, Surabaya, displays architectural excellence although it is now threatened by time and decay. With the gates missing and the trophy ornaments around the dome also damaged, this building still steals attention.
This Mausoleum model carries the feel of a sacred building protecting Roman era tombs, making it the first in the Dutch East Indies at that time. His extraordinary achievement was recorded in history by providing an illustration for The London News newspaper on October 13 1849, an impressive achievement considering that photography had not yet been discovered at that time.
This mausoleum is actually the grave of ML Dostal, a Royal Dutch East Indies Infantry Captain who died on August 28 1848. Only nine months after this European grave was inaugurated.
In design research, the architectural characteristics of this building combine the Indische Imperial style with a neo-classical touch, creating a rare combination of Javanese and European architecture which is now extinct.
In the field of civil engineering, the construction of this Mausoleum also attracts attention. The dome structure was built without using cement, considering that cement technology had not been discovered at that time.
However, its beauty and uniqueness is now threatened by time and lack of maintenance. The presence of damage to this building is a real threat, demanding urgent restoration efforts so that this historic heritage can still be enjoyed by future generations.