Cherishing our heritage

As of the beginning of this week, Jakarta's Museum and Historical Agency has ceased to exist. In its place is the newly established City Museum and Restoration Agency.

Given that just one word in its name has been changed, one may be forgiven for being a bit skeptical about the change. What, after all, is in a name?

Hopefully, a good deal more than one may think on first impression.

For one thing, under the new agency, all museums under the supervision of the Jakarta administration will have the autonomy to manage their own activities, including determining their own programs, forming partnerships with other foundations and organizations and setting budgets.

According to the head of the new agency, Haswidi A. Taufik, the new arrangement is expected to make Jakarta's museums more attractive, so they can improve interaction with the public and raise money for the museums' upkeep and improvement.

Those who are familiar with the appalling state in which many -- not to say most -- of Jakarta's museums exist will agree that the present step is timely. It is also unexpected, given the current emphasis on politics and economic development.

Of the 52 museums in Jakarta, seven are managed by the Jakarta administration. Some of these museums have unique collections. The puppetry, maritime and textile museums, for example, have items found no where else in the world. Not surprising, since Indonesia is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries on the planet.

It must be said, however, that many of our collections -- and even some of the buildings which house them -- are in a sad state. Of an estimated total of 48,000 items in the museums, almost 4,000 are in bad shape. This may be related to an indifference of the public.

The famous National Museum in Jakarta is possibly the only one with regular visitors, mostly Indonesian students and tourists.

Hopefully, the new arrangement -- though perhaps no more than a good start -- will be some sort of break through. Sadly, Indonesian officialdom has also shown a disinterest in "serious" culture and art. Perhaps this is due to an obsession with economic development.

It could be that a greater awareness of Indonesia's culture and history is dawning as living standards rise. It could also be that the growth of Jakarta's importance to tourists has alerted the authorities that there is money to be had from upgrading our museums.

Whatever the reason, the new autonomy of Jakarta's museums signals a growing understanding of their significance as repositories of our national heritage.

Through them, present and future generations of Indonesians can trace the footprints of our nation's journey through history and come to a better appreciation of our place as members of humanity.

Hopefully this trend will endure. After all, a nation's place in the world is determined not only by its' material well-being, but also its' spiritual qualities.