Onrust Archaeology Museum Invites Public to Explore Nusantara Hajj History
The Jakarta Culture Agency, through the Jakarta Maritime Museum Management Unit, has officially opened a temporary exhibition titled ‘From Batavia to Baitullah: Memories of the Hajj in Times Past’ at the Onrust Archaeology Museum on Onrust Island, Thousand Islands, on Thursday, 20 August 2026. The exhibition explores the history of the Nusantara hajj pilgrimage via Onrust Island and the maritime network connecting Batavia with the Holy Land, aiming to introduce the island’s role as an important point in the colonial-era organisation of the hajj.
Arranged across six thematic zones, the exhibition presents a journey beginning with Onrust as the Hajj Island, the history of the Nusantara hajj before and during the colonial period, sailing routes to Jeddah, women’s experiences of the pilgrimage, the social and political impact of the hajj, and reflections on the continuity of Nusantara hajj history from the colonial era to present-day Indonesia. The exhibition flow is designed to show how the hajj journey shaped networks of knowledge, solidarity and social change that extended beyond purely religious experience.
Head of the Maritime Museum, Mis’Ari, said the activity is part of efforts to optimise the museum’s role as a centre of cultural interaction and strengthen Jakarta’s cultural development. The exhibition focuses on the history of the hajj journey to the Holy Land in times past, which was closely linked to sea voyages. ‘This exhibition tells the story of the hajj pilgrimage in times past, when the journey to the Holy Land was still closely tied to the history of shipping and sea travel,’ he said.
Mis’Ari explained that the exhibition involves a number of collaborators from home and abroad, including representatives from Oman and Yemen, academics, communities, and the family of the late Dr Marzuki, one of the Onrust Island Hajj Quarantine officers. Ardhito, Dr Marzuki’s grandson, will hand over a copy of his late grandfather’s assignment letter and work bag, which will become part of the Onrust Archaeology Museum’s collection.
Assistant for Government and People’s Welfare of the Thousand Islands Regency, Purnomo, said the exhibition invites the public to view the hajj journey from a broader perspective. According to him, the hajj was not merely a spiritual journey, but also a long physical journey by sea and between ports, bringing together various nations, cultures, knowledge and experiences. ‘Therefore, holding the exhibition in this place has a very special meaning. Space, site and history are brought together again to present memories that may not yet be widely known to the public,’ he said.
Purnomo assessed that the history of the hajj journey and maritime history are not only part of local and national history, but are also connected to wider networks, including the maritime network of the Islamic world. ‘We hope the presence of international partners in this exhibition can open space for knowledge exchange, strengthen inter-institutional relations, and become the beginning of broader cultural cooperation in the future,’ he said.
He added that ahead of Jakarta’s 500th anniversary, activities such as this exhibition have strategic significance in introducing Jakarta’s history from various perspectives. According to him, Jakarta is not only a modern city with ever-moving dynamics, but also has a long history as a meeting place for people, trade, shipping, ideas and culture.
The Onrust Archaeology Museum will also hold various public activities, including curatorial tours, discussions on Nusantara hajj history, educational workshops, film screenings, and an Onrust Island history exploration programme. The exhibition runs from 20 August 2026 to 1 January 2027 and is open to the public every Tuesday to Sunday from 09.00 to 15.00 WIB. Visitors can reach Onrust Island by boat from various piers, including transport department vessels, with a fare of Rp49,000 for a return trip. Boat tickets can be booked through http://jaketboat.bankjakarta.co.id/.