National Archives keeps history alive
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The paper looked no different than any common receipt, except that the yellowed slip has "Government of Australia" as the sender printed on it and the message is a diplomatic matter supporting the independence of Indonesia.
Few realize that 60 years ago, diplomatic messages were sent by the simple communication means of the telegraph.
Wired support from many countries, along with hundreds of other documents, are on display at the National Archives building in Central Jakarta to mark Independence Day.
"It is extremely difficult to familiarize people with the archives," said the head of the conventional archive reproduction division, Umar M. Jacub. "This exhibition aims to at least let people know that these papers exist."
Every day from 9 p.m. to 2 p.m. until Aug. 18, the lobby of the National Archives will be exhibiting materials ranging from the unedited version of the Independence Proclamation to the resignation of former president Soeharto.
"Our last exhibition in Jakarta was probably 10 years ago," Umar said, adding that his office had seen very little public enthusiasm over the years.
Although official papers and photographs may be too boring for some, they could actually make a history lesson more interesting.
Some 250 reproduced state documents, photographs and posters at least give visitors a glimpse of the country's history and development. Although -- due to limited space -- many important events like the foiled coup attempt in 1965 and the 1998 riot are not documented here.
Visitors can take a guided tour or simply follow the arrows on the floor leading from one display to another that takes people through the decades.
On the same board with the Independence Proclamation is the original text of the national anthem, Indonesia Raya, in its full three-passage version. Several interesting papers, like part of the transcript of the Round Table Meeting and founding president Sukarno's speech in front of the United Nations assembly, are also worth viewing.
Those who are more into visuals might be more interested in checking out photographs or posters.
They portray an array of events ranging from the birthday parties of president Sukarno's and vice president Mohammad Hatta's daughters -- now former president Megawati Soekarnoputri and incumbent State Minister for Women's Empowerment Meutia Hatta respectively -- to a dramatic photo of Sukarno hugging Gen. Soedirman when the latter returned from battle.
The development of technology is also illustrated, by the difference between the wired diplomatic messages and a display of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's antidrug text message that was recently sent to selected cellular phone owners. (003)