Jakarta: On history's trail in Jakarta
Jakarta: On history's trail in Jakarta
Susanna Tjokro, Contributor/Jakarta
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INTRO: Most of us give little thought to the history on our
doorstep. But you can forget those stodgy history lessons from
school when you hit the pavement on a historical tour of the
city.
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"I never knew history could be such fun!" said a participant of a
Sahabat Museum (Friends of Museums) cultural tour.
Sure, we can go to a museum or look up an old building by
ourselves, but we probably don't want to do it alone. Hitting
history's trail is that much better when there is a knowledgeable
guide on hand to put the facts in perspective, and other like-
minded individuals to share the experience.
Sahabat Museum (Friends of Museums) and Jakarta History Museum
both cater to the need to find our more about the city's past.
It's an irresistible bargain for history lovers, at fees
ranging from Rp 20,000 to Rp 50,000 per person, including a snack
or lunch.
Jakarta History Museum charges Rp 20,000 per person (Rp 10,000
for students) for its daytime Old Village Tour Program, including
lunch at the beautiful Kafe Museum which nestled in the east wing
of the museum building. It's Rp 50,000 for the evening tour, with
dinner at the cafe.
"We do the evening tour to get rid of the spooky association
with ancient buildings," said Rafael Nadapdap of the museum. "By
visiting the museums after dark, hopefully people will realize
that there is nothing to be frightened of."
The museum also brings history alive with theatrical
performances for the public, such as the reenactment of a 18th
century funeral last August.
A crowd of curious Jakartans also came to see the graves of
the famous, such as Olivia Marianne Raffles, the wife of Sir
Thomas Stamford Raffles, and others who lived and died in the
city, in a tour of Museum Taman Prasasti (Inscriptions Museum).
Participants vary in age and come from different walks of
life, but are united by their love of finding out more about the
way things were.
Ade Purnama (Adep), a 28-year-old graduate in Dutch literature
from the University of Indonesia, set up Sahabat Museum in 2002
after taking part in tours organized by the Jakarta History
Museum.
Many participants make some pleasant discoveries on their
trips.
"I was taken by surprise that my hometown has great potential
as a historical tour destination," said Nila Murti.
Others find the tours are a great way to make new friends.
Much of the popularity of the tours is due to the 10 volunteer
guides, who make history interesting and accessible, or, as Mei,
a 41-year-old housewife said, it's "so funky".
The growing popularity of the events was shown when Sahabat
Museum and Jalan Sutra, a group of committed foodies headed by
writer Bondan Winarso, held its "Heritage Food in a Heritage
City" at the National Archives building at the end of August.
About 1,500 people were expected to show up, but more than
double that number came to try some old-fashioned cuisine on the
night.