DKI Provincial Government to Renovate MH Thamrin Museum as New Educational Icon

Jakarta - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government plans to renovate and revitalise the Mohammad Husni (MH) Thamrin Museum on Jalan Kenari, Senen, Central Jakarta, as a new icon for the capital and a centre for historical education. “I want to convey that the DKI Jakarta Government has decided to renovate and revitalise the MH Thamrin Museum on Jalan Kenari to become a new icon for Jakarta,” said DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo during the 2026 Betawi Lebaran celebration at Lapangan Banteng, Central Jakarta, on Saturday. He mentioned that the budget for the museum renovation has been prepared and the work process will begin shortly. The revitalisation is expected to increase the museum’s appeal, not only to Jakarta residents but also to students from various regions on educational visits to the capital. “The budget is already available, we will start soon, and it will become a new icon for Jakarta,” Pramono stated. Thus, the museum is hoped to become a mandatory destination that introduces the history and important figures of Betawi to the younger generation. Moreover, the revitalisation of the museum is not merely a physical renewal of the building but also part of efforts to preserve history and pay tribute to the figure of MH Thamrin. Pramono emphasised that Thamrin was one of the native Betawi intellectuals who made significant contributions to development, culture, and the progress of Jakarta. “This is our endeavour to honour and elevate the figure of MH Thamrin who has given great contributions to the civilisation, development, and culture of Betawi and Jakarta,” Pramono explained. The MH Thamrin Museum has long been known as one of the historical sites that preserves the legacy of this Betawi figure’s struggles. However, the current facilities are deemed in need of improvement to be more representative as a modern educational facility. This step also forms part of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s commitment to developing the cultural and historical-based education sector, as well as introducing local figures who have contributed to the nation’s successors. Previously, the DKI Provincial Government had decided to revitalise the Mohammad Husni Thamrin Museum located on Jalan Kenari, Senen Subdistrict, Central Jakarta, with a budget of Rp15 billion. “In last week’s meeting, I have decided for the Husni Thamrin Museum, we will revitalise it. The cost is Rp15 billion,” said Pramono in South Jakarta on 2 March 2026. He hopes that the museum revitalisation will not only improve the physical building but also enhance its educational function for the community, especially students visiting Jakarta. Furthermore, he wants the public not to just visit Monas, Ancol, or Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), but also come to the MH Thamrin Museum to learn about Betawi culture. “I truly hope they learn from Husni Thamrin, and later we will make the museum truly worthy and appropriate for people to learn about Jakarta,” Pramono remarked.