tembok

Tembok is the Indonesian and Malay term for a wall, a vertical architectural element that defines, encloses, or separates space. It provides privacy and security, and resists environmental loads such as wind and moisture. In buildings, tembok can be load-bearing, carrying structural loads from floors and roofs, or non-load-bearing, used as internal partitions.

Common types include external walls, internal partitions, boundary walls (tembok pembatas), and retaining walls (tembok penahan tanah). External walls protect the interior from weather and provide insulation and weather resistance. Internal walls divide rooms and facilitate layout changes. Boundary walls enclose property boundaries, while retaining walls hold back soil on sloped sites. Construction materials vary by region but include brick, stone, concrete blocks, and timber, often finished with plaster, stucco, or cladding.

Materials and methods range from traditional masonry to modern reinforced concrete and precast panels. The choice of material affects thermal properties, moisture management, and seismic performance. Finishes such as plastering and painting influence maintenance needs and aesthetics.

Historically, walls have played defensive, ceremonial, and social roles. Notable examples include the Great Wall of China (Tembok Besar Cina) and the Berlin Wall, each symbolizing political and cultural significance. In Indonesia, tembok is common in urban and rural settings, from city walls to garden and residential barriers.

Maintenance considerations include monitoring cracks, moisture intrusion, and structural movement. Repairs may involve repointing mortar, patching plaster, waterproofing, and ensuring proper drainage. Regular inspection helps preserve wall performance and safety.