On history's trail in Jakarta
Susanna Tjokro Contributor/Jakarta
--------------------------- 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. --------------------------------
"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.