Tjokorda Raka Sukawati

Indonesian engineer who revolutionized infrastructure construction with the Sosrobahu technique

Tjokorda Raka Sukawati (1931-2014) transformed urban development in Southeast Asia through his invention of the Sosrobahu construction method. This ingenious technique allowed workers to rotate massive concrete flyovers 90 degrees after initial casting, enabling highway construction in densely populated Jakarta without disrupting traffic flow.

His innovation addressed a critical challenge: How to build elevated roads in cramped urban spaces? Traditional methods would have required years of road closures. The Sosrobahu system reduced construction time by 40% and became Indonesia's first internationally patented construction technology.

The technology has since been used in:

• Malaysia's SMART Tunnel
• Philippines' Skyway System
• Thailand's Bang Na Expressway

Despite its global impact, Sukawati remained relatively unknown outside engineering circles. His story exemplifies how localized solutions can achieve international significance through adaptive engineering principles.