East Java Governor says Marsinah Museum can be a new educational tourism destination
Nganjuk (ANTARA) - The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, said that the Marsinah Museum could be utilized as a new educational tourism destination while also boosting the economy of the Nganjuk community.
The Governor stated that in 2026, Nglundo Village will be officially designated as a Tourism Village by the Regent of Nganjuk. In fact, a Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) has already been established in the village, and it is actively managing its tourism initiatives.
“Hopefully, this will further support the museum and serve as a lasting legacy of Marsinah, who was a National Heroine and a fighter for workers’ rights. Even after her passing, she continues to benefit society,” she said in Nganjuk on Saturday.
Governor Khofifah also appreciated the arrangement and management of the Marsinah Museum, which honors the National Heroine and worker’s rights advocate. She believes that the museum can present the story of this national heroine who dedicated her life to fighting for workers’ rights.
“Thank God, the contents are well-organized and beautifully displayed. Inside, we can see various documents about Marsinah’s struggles, including photos, original newspaper clippings, and the clothes she wore before her body was found,” she said.
“In fact, this museum also features a diorama depicting the situation faced by workers in the 1990s. So, we can trace how the labor movement fought at that time,” added Governor Khofifah.
The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, accompanied President Prabowo Subianto in inaugurating and inspecting the Marsinah Museum and a rest house in Nglundo Village, Sukomoro District, Nganjuk Regency.
The Marsinah Museum stands right next to Marsinah’s childhood home. The museum is part of a pilgrimage area that is expected to become an educational tourism destination focused on human rights struggles and also serve as an economic driver for the community.
The construction of the Marsinah Museum was funded by donations from workers across Indonesia, as well as funds from the independent organization, the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI).
The Governor hopes that the development and courage shown by Marsinah will inspire many people.
“We certainly hope that the struggles, courage, and perseverance of Marsinah in upholding justice can inspire more people. With the existence of the Marsinah Museum, hopefully, her legacy will not fade,” said Governor Khofifah.
Meanwhile, in his speech, President Prabowo Subianto said that the Marsinah Museum serves as a reminder, especially for young generations, that building a nation requires long-term efforts, challenges, and difficulties.
“This is a rare event. I think this museum was established as a symbol and milestone to commemorate the courage of a young female fighter who fought for the rights of workers,” he said.
The President added that the Marsinah Museum also serves as a lesson that if the state’s philosophy, Pancasila, is understood more deeply, the tragic event that happened to Marsinah might not have occurred.
“In fact, the incident where Marsinah was brutally murdered for fighting for factory workers should not have happened because our country was founded on the basic philosophy of Pancasila,” he said.
He also reminded everyone that workers and fishermen are children of the nation, while officials are merely servants who receive a mandate. Therefore, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of continuous improvement. The first step he has taken is to officially recognize Marsinah as a National Heroine of Indonesia.
Also present at the event were the President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI), Andi Gani Nena Wea, Secretary-General of ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation), Shoya Yoshida, Regent of Nganjuk, Marhaen Djumadi, Marsinah’s family, and about a thousand workers from all over East Java.