Cherishing our heritage<\/p>\n
As of the beginning of this week, Jakarta's Museum and
\nHistorical Agency has ceased to exist. In its place is the newly
\nestablished City Museum and Restoration Agency.<\/p>\n
Given that just one word in its name has been changed, one may
\nbe forgiven for being a bit skeptical about the change. What,
\nafter all, is in a name?<\/p>\n
Hopefully, a good deal more than one may think on first
\nimpression.<\/p>\n
For one thing, under the new agency, all museums under the
\nsupervision of the Jakarta administration will have the autonomy
\nto manage their own activities, including determining their own
\nprograms, forming partnerships with other foundations and
\norganizations and setting budgets.<\/p>\n
According to the head of the new agency, Haswidi A. Taufik,
\nthe new arrangement is expected to make Jakarta's museums more
\nattractive, so they can improve interaction with the public and
\nraise money for the museums' upkeep and improvement.<\/p>\n
Those who are familiar with the appalling state in which many
\n-- not to say most -- of Jakarta's museums exist will agree that
\nthe present step is timely. It is also unexpected, given the
\ncurrent emphasis on politics and economic development.<\/p>\n
Of the 52 museums in Jakarta, seven are managed by the Jakarta
\nadministration. Some of these museums have unique collections.
\nThe puppetry, maritime and textile museums, for example, have
\nitems found no where else in the world. Not surprising, since
\nIndonesia is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse
\ncountries on the planet.<\/p>\n
It must be said, however, that many of our collections -- and
\neven some of the buildings which house them -- are in a sad
\nstate. Of an estimated total of 48,000 items in the museums,
\nalmost 4,000 are in bad shape. This may be related to an
\nindifference of the public.<\/p>\n
The famous National Museum in Jakarta is possibly the only one
\nwith regular visitors, mostly Indonesian students and tourists.<\/p>\n
Hopefully, the new arrangement -- though perhaps no more than
\na good start -- will be some sort of break through. Sadly,
\nIndonesian officialdom has also shown a disinterest in "serious"
\nculture and art. Perhaps this is due to an obsession with
\neconomic development.<\/p>\n
It could be that a greater awareness of Indonesia's culture
\nand history is dawning as living standards rise. It could also be
\nthat the growth of Jakarta's importance to tourists has alerted
\nthe authorities that there is money to be had from upgrading our
\nmuseums.<\/p>\n
Whatever the reason, the new autonomy of Jakarta's museums
\nsignals a growing understanding of their significance as
\nrepositories of our national heritage.<\/p>\n
Through them, present and future generations of Indonesians
\ncan trace the footprints of our nation's journey through history
\nand come to a better appreciation of our place as members of
\nhumanity.<\/p>\n
Hopefully this trend will endure. After all, a nation's place
\nin the world is determined not only by its' material well-being,
\nbut also its' spiritual qualities.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/cherishing-our-heritage-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}