Museums need help to protect cultural legacy

JAKARTA (JP): Fine art is becoming more popular in Indonesia, but this new found appreciation is not all positive.

When at least six paintings were allegedly stolen from the National Museum recently, the thieves took advantage of the dilapidated condition of Indonesian museums.

There are now more painters and art collectors in Indonesia, and the works of a few painters have improved tremendously. There are also significant increases in the quantity and quality of art exhibitions held by galleries. The galleries are being run with increasing professionalism. And art writers are working with them closely to promote their shows.

While the artists, galleries and art writers have been quick to meet the challenge of an Indonesian art boom, museums have failed to develop as quickly, due to their limited budgets and authority. "I feel sorry about what happened at the National Museum, but honestly it could easily have happened in any museum in Indonesia. We need to give more attention to the registration and storage systems of our museums," said Sudarmadji Damais, the head of Jakarta History Museum at Taman Fatahillah, Central Jakarta.

The government is beginning to pay more attention to its museums, but its efforts need public and private sector support.

The public must pay more attention to its museums. "We need to be more respectful toward our cultural heritage," said Guruh Soekarnoputra, an artist and art collector, in response to the recent theft. Hopefully this incident will make the community pay more attention toward cultural patrimony in Indonesia, especially toward art in museums.

The municipal government of Jakarta is working hard to improve its museums. Its own fine art museum is being renovated in response to greater public interest in art, particularly in paintings.

Perhaps the time has come for both the public and the private sector to establish museums which are not merely warehouses for works of art and culture, but also institutions of learning through the display of educational exhibits and places where people can enjoy and pursue their interests. It seems that it is time for the concept of a National Art Gallery to be planned and realized.

-- Amir Sidharta