Bandar sebagai Cermin Identiti Bangsa: Perbandingan Awal antara Jakarta dan Kuala Lumpur

Formation of national identity as reflected in the physical attributes of the two cities. This article discusses the general findings of the study on “city and national identities” in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. This study employs the post-colonial theoretical framework as it is more robust and explorative in nature. This framework is found to be effective in explaining the realities of history-structure that give form to the Malaysian and Indonesian ‘nation- state’ towards understanding the ambitions of both countries to form their own “nation” or “national” identity. The influence and impact of post- colonialism and postnationalism are clearly evident in the architecture and urban layout of both cities. Colonial structures stands in contrast to modern forms, serving as indicators of progress and renewal. Images of globalization are rampant and actively cultivated to demarcate the postcolonial and postnationalist period. This article begins with a theoretical discussion followed by two empirical case studies – Kuala Lumpur and Indonesia. It concludes with our preliminary findings on the “city and national identities”.