Personal Residences
DISCLAIMER
It has been difficult for me to find, and especially to confirm many of the residential addresses. This is in part due to the street names being changed from Dutch names to Indonesian names after the independence of (Dutch East Indies) Indonesia, as well as multiple variations in the spelling. Another reason is because residential addresses and information are not easily accessible (current privacy restrictions as well as lack of public documentation during the colonial era.)
When I am able to find a current structure at the same address, under the new street name, it is important to note that many streets were re-numbered over the decades. I will 100% research this in person at the local city offices when I am able to visit East Java.
Yet another (significant) issue is that the actual address was not necessarily used, rather, the name of the area instead of the street name. (ie: Oro-Oro Dowo is the name of an area, not necessarily the street, but was the address that Karel Bos used and listed on his postcards.)
Another issue making locating the actual structures very difficult, is that some homes were demolished, and others may have gone under radical alteration.
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What I am sharing on this pages are the homes and addresses that were the results of online searches, as well as the result of help received from private individuals. The homes, even if all accurate, are also not necessarily listed in the correct chronological order.
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(ANY HELP in finding the residential homes / addresses of Karel Bos is GREATLY appreciated!)
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(Thank you to @serpihanberkarat for sharing the map image. Thank you to Achmad Budiman Suharjono for sharing the map link.)
1930s KAJOETANGAN STRAAT #73, MALANG
For his earlier address on what is now Jalan Basuki Rahmat, it is understood that this was a rented or pre-existing shophouse (rumah toko) that Karel H. Bos used as his office (architectenbureau) and likely residence. It was a practical base of operations while he established his practice in Malang. He would not have designed this building himself; rather, he would have worked out of it.
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Historic Address: Kajoetangan Straat No. 73. This is documented in the Dutch East Indies address books (Adresboek voor geheel Nederlandsch-Indië) from the 1930s.
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Jalan Basuki Rahmat (formerly Kajoetangan Straat) has always been a prime commercial street. Over the past 90 years, many buildings have been demolished, combined with others, or had their facades completely changed. It is highly probable that the original building no longer exists or is unrecognizable.
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As this was likely a more functional, standard building or shophouse, It wouldn't have been photographed as a standalone architectural landmark in the way his later, more expressive designs were.
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Modern Address: Jalan Basuki Rahmat, Kauman, Klojen, Malang City.
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Significance: This was the base of operations for Karel H. Bos during the period when he was designing many of the buildings along Kayutangan and the then-newly planned Ijen Boulevard.​
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Karel Bos's office at Kajoetangan Straat 73 would have looked very similar to the buildings shown below. (It's possible that it may actually be pictured, but there is now way of knowing. It was from an office like this that he designed some of Malang's most famous structures before building his own landmark home.
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While we can't knowingly see the specific building, we can look at these historical photographs of Kajoetangan Straat from the 1930s to get a very clear idea of the environment where Karel Bos had his first office. His home/office would have been one of the buildings lining this very street.
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In the photos you can see:
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The characteristic two-story shophouses with businesses on the ground floor and residences above.
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The covered walkways (emperan) that protected pedestrians from the sun and rain.
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The distinct blend of European Art Deco and Chinese architectural influences.
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The Holland American Bakery (pictured above) in Malang during the 1930s was a significant establishment in the city, known for its Dutch and American-style baked goods. It was a popular spot for both locals and the Dutch community during the colonial era. The bakery served as a place to find familiar treats from the Netherlands, like speculaas cookies, as well as American-style pastries. Later Years: While the original bakery's story beyond the 1930s is not detailed in the search results, it's likely that it continued to be a part of the Malang community for some time. Dutch and American Influence: The bakery represented a fusion of Dutch and American baking traditions, offering a variety of products that catered to different tastes. Colonial Era: In the 1930s, Malang was part of the Dutch East Indies, and the Holland American Bakery was a notable part of the social and culinary landscape of that time. Popularity: It was a well-known and well-frequented bakery, likely due to the quality of its products and the novelty of its offerings.
KAJOETANG is now an HISTORIC DISTRICT. Details (per ChatGPT Open AI): ​Kajoetang was a thriving area characterized by: 1. Colonial Architecture: Kajoetangan was a significant hub during the Dutch colonial era, and many buildings from this period remain today. The area developed between 1930 and 1940, with architectural styles including Art Deco buildings and houses with Nieuwe Bouwen/International characteristics. Features of these buildings included high doors and windows, straightforward details, and, at times, asymmetrical designs. A notable example is the Rumah Namsin, built in the 1900s, which served as a motorcycle dealer between 1924-1940. Some houses had elements like shields roofs and ornamental listplanks. 2. Economic Hub: Kajoetangan functioned as a major street and trade center in Malang during the Dutch colonial period. The area extending from the intersection of Avia's shopping area to the Kajoetangan Catholic Church experienced development during this time. Shops like Riang and Taman Tembakau, established during the Dutch colonial era, are still in operation today. One house, the Herbal Medicine House, was built around the 1940s and served as a traditional Chinese medicine treatment center, with the owner still selling herbal medicines there today. ​ 3. Community Life: The area known as Kayutangan, or Kajoetangan, is a historical neighborhood that has since become a heritage village. It is known for preserving the authenticity of the "kampoeng" (village) along with its historical relics, buildings, cuisine, and the socio-cultural life of its residents. The community actively participates in preserving the heritage of Kajoetangan. 4. Significance and Charm: The historical remnants and architecture of Kajoetangan allow visitors to experience a glimpse into the past. The area is described as charming and full of history, offering visitors a unique experience. It has been compared to Malang's version of Malioboro, but with a calmer atmosphere.
​​​Kayutangan is one of the oldest and most historic areas in Malang City, which has a very rich historical value. Located in the heart of the city, this area is a silent witness to the development of Malang from the colonial era to the modern era today. 1. The Beginning of Kayutangan Kayutangan, which is now known as a center of trade and tourism, used to be a main road connecting several important points in Malang. During the Dutch colonial era, this road was the center of commercial activity and government administration. Many historic buildings along this road still stand strong today, including several European-style architectural buildings that have become icons. 2. Trade and Development Center Since the colonial era until the beginning of independence, Kayutangan has been a trade center in Malang. With many shops, restaurants, and shopping centers, Kayutangan has developed into a bustling business center. In the 1980s, this area underwent modernization, but still maintained several classic buildings that are characteristic of its history. Until now, Kayutangan is always crowded with local and foreign tourists. 3. Kayutangan Heritage Recently, the Malang City government initiated the revitalization of Kayutangan through the "Kayutangan Heritage" project. This area was transformed into a historical and cultural tourism destination by maintaining old historic buildings. Thanks to this revitalization, Kayutangan has not only become a business center, but also a place that offers historical education for the younger generation. On-line article: SOURCE: https://infomalang.com/sejarah-daerah-kayutangan-kota-malang/
1930s KASIN KIDOEL #5, MALANG
NOTE: The exact timeline that Karel Bos resided at this address is unclear. It is possible that it may have been BEFORE he lived in the above pictured home.
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1932-1934 REGENSTRAAT 24, MALANG
The two photos below are of the infant, JOAN H. BOS at the family home on Regenstraat 24, Malang. In the second photo, she is being held by her mother, Elvire Bos.
1934-? Tjelaket 64, Malang
This home was definitely used as his office at one point. It is not confirmed whether he lived here as well, though it is likely.​
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Mid-Late 1930s? JALAN IDJEN, MALANG
Karel H. Bos was one of the architects involved in designing modern colonial villas along the famous boulevard of JALAN IDJEN.
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It was mentioned that he also lived here, however, I could not find any further information to confirm this. The street name without additional information, appeared during in the results of one of my numerous searches for addresses of his former places of residence. ​I am including this information and the photos "just-in-case", knowing that even if he was at the address, the street numbering may have changed. I'm also including it because because my grandfather did design at least one home on this street.
Mid-Late 1930s to Early 1940s ORO-ORO DOWO 1, WELIRANG #41, MALANG
I am most excited about this house! THIS IS THE (LAST) RESIDENCE OF MY GRANDFATHER, KAREL H. BOS.
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Karel H. Bos later designed and built his own iconic family home. This residence on Jalan Oro-oro Dowo is considered one of his most important works and stands as a testament to his role as his own architect. Designing one's own residence is a common and significant practice for architects.
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This is the most iconic and well-documented residence of Karel Bos. It was his personal home and likely also served as his studio. This address was considered the ultimate showcase, and his most famous residence. This house is considered a masterpiece of his work, showcasing a unique blend of Art Deco, De Stijl, and functionalist architectural styles. It's often nicknamed the "Rumah Kapal" (Ship House) or "Rumah Lokomotif" (Locomotive House) due to its distinctive, streamlined shape.
This house is the most definitive proof that he was his own architect. He designed it specifically for himself and his family. It is also documented as his final address.
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Historic Address: The house is located at the corner of Ijen Boulevard (Idjen Boulevard) and Oro-oro Dowo Street
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Modern Address: Jalan Welirang #41, Malang
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Current Status: The building is well-preserved and has been adaptively reused. It was home to a popular cafe and restaurant called Rumah Opa. While the Rumah Opa is now closed down, this house is currently the home of FOURIER COFFEE.
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(All details above per ChatGPT Open AI, accessed June & July 2025.)
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​​The most exciting thing to me now is that this home was turned into a restaurant. Why is that exciting? Because I can find INTERIOR photos of this home on-line! Wow!! I know the furnishings and decor are not the same, but to be able to get a glimpse into my grandfather's home life via these photos is nothing short of priceless. THE MEMORIES THAT THESE WALLS HOLD!!
About the 1930s-1940s Era of the Oro Dowo Area
The Oro Dowo neighborhood in Malang, East Java, during the 1930s and early1940s, was considered an upscale and well-planned residential area, favored by both Indo-European (Eurasian) families and wealthier Dutch colonial residents. Here’s what is known about the residences and community there during that time:
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Characteristics of Oro Dowo Residences (ca. 1940s)
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1. Architectural Style
• Indies-style villas (Dutch East Indies architecture) were common:
• Large verandas
• High ceilings for ventilation
• Terracotta tile roofs
• Blend of Dutch colonial and Javanese design elements
• Many houses had lush gardens, tropical trees, and gated fences.
2. Residential Demographics
• Dutch civil servants, military officers, and plantation managers
• Indo-European families who were often employed in education, administration, or trade
• Prominent Chinese-Indonesian families, such as the Tan, Kwee, or Oei families, also lived in or near this district
3. Streets and Layout
• Streets such as Jalan Ijen, Jalan Oro-Oro Dowo, and Jalan Bromo were laid out in a garden city model, influenced by European urban planning.
• Jalan Ijen, in particular, was lined with palatial homes, wide boulevards, and flowering trees.
• Oro Dowo was connected by electric trams and had proximity to the city market and the Brantas River. (NOTE: My Tante Joan Bos had fond memories of the Brantas River. SO much so that she chose this river as the place where we she wanted her ashes scattered.)
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(Source = ChatGPY OpenAI search June-July 2025)