Negotiating Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD) in Banda Aceh after reconstruction

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article aims to interrogate how local government and community in Banda Aceh define heritage, especially built-heritage. We argue the Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD) presents itself not only in experts or official discourse, but also within community; but the boundaries have no clear edge and been adjusted accordingly. The definition of architectural heritage has been continuously negotiated along the process of heritage designation and planning. It is evident, for example, in ongoing acceptance of tsunami-related things as heritage. Despite their initial rejection and disagreement with local community to include tsunami debris such as Kapal Apung as heritage, now government - especially Conservation Board for Tangible Heritage (BPCB) that in 2012 still reluctant to include tsunami items as heritage - is on its way to include them as heritage for their important histories. On the other hand, even though it is second symbol of Banda Aceh, community and experts have different perception of the heritage status of the Tsunami Museum built during reconstruction after the 2004 Tsunami, due to its age less than 50 years. Within this negotiated definition Rumoh Aceh, the Baiturrahman Mosque, Putroe Phang, Gunongan and Aceh Museum are among top five architectural heritage for community and experts.