Ministry of Culture to Renovate Tan Malaka's House Again

The Ministry of Culture will carry out further renovation of Tan Malaka’s house located in Pandam Gadang, Gunuang Omeh District, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, following initial renovation work conducted on 19 December 2024. In an official statement confirmed from Jakarta on Friday, the renovation is planned to include area landscaping, exhibition space arrangement, and the development of several other sections. “We will make this place a cultural centre, a historical tourism destination, and a historic site commemorating Tan Malaka as an Indonesian national fighter,” said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon. According to the Minister, Tan Malaka had a vision for the birth of the Republic of Indonesia, which he articulated in the book “Naar de Republiek” written in 1925. “Tan Malaka is also known as a thinker with important works such as Madilog and Dari Penjara ke Penjara. Tan Malaka’s struggle was highly valued and respected by other fighters, including Bung Karno. Tan Malaka was designated a National Hero in 1963,” he added. “However, management can still be carried out by other parties, for example a foundation. The main thing is that the entire Tan Malaka family agrees and approves,” the Minister explained. Besides highlighting matters such as physical building repairs, exhibition layout, and room lighting, on that occasion Fadli Zon also instructed the Regent of Lima Puluh Kota, Safni Sikumbang, who was present, to create directional signs and symbols marking the area as Tan Malaka’s House. “Tan Malaka was known as a thinker, activist, guerrilla, diplomat, and was even accused of being a spy,” said Harry A Poeze. According to Harry A Poeze, after wandering for around 20 years in Asia and Russia, Tan Malaka returned to Indonesia in 1942. Historian from the University of Indonesia, Mohammad Iskandar, assessed that Tan Malaka was a lonely fighter and a mysterious figure. In his struggle, he said, Tan Malaka moved from one place to another and from one country to another, changing his name repeatedly.