Jakarta, September 17, 2024 – One year after the fire that struck the National Museum of Indonesia, an intensive revitalization process has reached a significant stage. This recovery effort includes infrastructure restoration, collection preservation, and the introduction of new innovations in museum curation. Under the supervision of the Indonesian Heritage Agency (IHA), the National Museum of Indonesia continues to undergo a gradual transformation, embracing a new vision in its role as a dynamic and interactive guardian of cultural heritage.
The revitalization process of the National Museum of Indonesia following the fire involves a comprehensive series of recovery measures, beginning with an assessment of the damage to the building and collections. These efforts include the evacuation of affected collections, structural reinforcement of standing buildings, and the dismantling of unstable structures. All these processes are carried out in parallel with scanning and documentation to ensure accurate conservation. Support from the Cultural Heritage Expert Team, the Restoration Expert Team, UNESCO, and other international experts has further strengthened these efforts. Additionally, a series of intensive Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with experts from Indonesia and abroad, including the Cultural Heritage Expert Team, the Restoration Expert Team, and international partners from Japan, France, the Netherlands, and the United States has been conducted to ensure a holistic and well-planned revitalization process.
Beyond physical restoration, the revitalization of the National Museum of Indonesia also involves a conceptual transformation through the Reimagining Cultural Heritage initiative, which is built on three main pillars: Reprogramming, Redesigning, and Reinvigorating. The National Museum of Indonesia is envisioned to be more than just an exhibition space; it aims to become a dynamic center for social interaction and education for the public.
Ahmad Mahendra, Acting Head of the Indonesian Heritage Agency, emphasized the broader significance of this revitalization, stating, “We are not only restoring the building and preserving the collections but also reimagining how this museum can play a greater role in society. This revitalization is not just about infrastructure repairs; it is a profound transformation, both physically and conceptually, that will present the museum as an interactive space that remains relevant to the needs of the modern public.”
The revitalization efforts of the National Museum of Indonesia, resulting from collaboration between the Indonesian Heritage Agency (IHA), the government, the public, museum partners, cultural communities, international institutions, historians, and architects, focus on both physical and conceptual transformation. The goal is to establish the museum as a more interactive, dynamic, and contemporary public space, while also emphasizing its vital role as a center for education, social interaction, and cultural heritage preservation.
The museum’s security system has been significantly enhanced, including the implementation of the latest technology to protect its collections from future threats. Physical improvements also include the renovation of exhibition spaces and upgrades to visitor facilities, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for the public.
Ni Luh Putu Chandra Dewi, Head of the National Museum of Indonesia Unit, added, “Last year’s fire was indeed a major challenge for us, but it also became a moment to strengthen our commitment to preserving and reintroducing Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. This revitalization is a continuous effort to ensure that the National Museum of Indonesia remains a relevant and inspiring space for future generations.”
IHA’s commitment to revitalizing the National Museum of Indonesia also includes ongoing innovations in both educational programs and exhibitions. The museum will continue to evolve by introducing new programs that integrate technology and cater to the needs of modern visitors. The ImersifA Room and a series of new exhibitions combining digital and physical elements will offer a fresh perspective on Indonesia’s history and culture. These initiatives aim to create an inspiring space that fosters cross-cultural dialogue and social engagement.
Planned to open to the public in mid-October, the National Museum of Indonesia strives to present a new, dynamic, and interactive experience. The National Museum of Indonesia will introduce four main programs specifically designed to invite visitors to engage more closely with Indonesia’s history and culture. First, the new face of the exhibition layout of the National Museum of Indonesia’s collection can be enjoyed in Taman Arca, the Rotunda, and the Kertarajasa Room. Next, the technological updates and narrative presentation in the ImersifA Room will also be accessible to the public. Then, there will be two temporary exhibitions to be presented, namely, “The Journey of Post-Fire Recovery,” which tells the entire record of the National Museum of Indonesia’s journey in facing last year’s fire, and the Repatriation Exhibition, which will feature more than 300 selected collections that have returned to Indonesia as part of efforts to repatriate cultural artifacts from various countries.
With these four programs, the National Museum of Indonesia is not only committed to providing a deeper educational experience but also to creating a space that inspires cross-cultural dialogue and social engagement. The museum will reopen to the public on October 15, 2024, with various new programs ready to offer a memorable experience for all visitors.
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About the Indonesian Heritage Agency
The Indonesian Heritage Agency (IHA) is a public service entity under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, currently responsible for managing 18 museums and galleries and 34 national cultural heritage sites. Established in 2022 and officially recognized as a public service agency on September 1, 2023, IHA envisions becoming a collaborative institution that fosters creativity, social change, and the development of a cultured society.
IHA prioritizes protection-based services and embraces creativity with an inclusive spirit of collaboration, contributing collectively to deepening appreciation for Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage.
About the National Museum of Indonesia
The National Museum of Indonesia is an important institution in the preservation and education of the cultural heritage of the Archipelago. It began as a research institution for natural science, history, and socio-cultural knowledge by the Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen (BGKW) on April 24, 1778. The National Museum has now developed into the largest museum in Indonesia. With four main buildings dedicated to the protection and utilization of its collection, which exceeds 196,000 cultural objects, the National Museum of Indonesia presents a representation of Indonesia’s cultural diversity from prehistoric times to the present. The wide variety of collections makes the National Museum of Indonesia a primary destination for the public and a center for the study of the Archipelago’s culture for researchers who want to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia.
The revitalization of the National Museum of Indonesia after the fire disaster reaffirms the museum’s commitment to strengthening the identity of “Kita Indonesia” (We are Indonesia) through narratives that showcase the museum’s journey through time. By preserving the cultural heritage building and integrating its collections into relevant exhibitions, the National Museum of Indonesia strengthens the roots of the nation’s identity. Educational programs that align with contemporary developments, including the ImmersiveA Exhibition Room which combines audiovisual technology, as well as the national-level Museum Quiz Competition, demonstrate the National Museum’s innovation in presenting collection information. International collaborations and publications across various platforms highlight the National Museum of Indonesia’s efforts to educate the wider public, making the museum not only a center for cultural studies but also an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
For more information, please contact:
IHA Communication Team
Michael Reza Say (+62 811-9725-854)
National Museum of Indonesia Communication Team
Diazeva Fathia (+62 815-1012-8908)
