Sriwijaya Dharmakirti Museum Inaugurated, Fadli Zon Highlights Civilisation Heritage
The Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has inaugurated the Sriwijaya Dharmakirti Museum, located within the Muarajambi National Cultural Heritage Area (KCBN) in Jambi Province. The inauguration represents a tangible commitment by the Ministry of Culture to strengthen the preservation of cultural heritage and maintain the legacy of the Nusantara civilisation.
In his address, Fadli Zon explained that Muarajambi was one of the most significant civilisation landscapes in the archipelago. During its era, the area flourished as a centre for culture, religion, and knowledge exchange, connecting Sumatra with India, China, Tibet, and various regions across Southeast Asia.
“History is the root of our culture and our identity. Therefore, President Prabert Prabowo Subianto is strongly encouraging the revitalisation of cultural sites, palaces, and various ancestral heritages. We inherit knowledge, values, and both tangible and intangible cultural heritage,” he stated in a written release on Friday.
He noted that the inauguration of the Sriwijaya Dharmakirti Museum and the revitalisation of the Muarajambi KCBN are efforts to preserve historical records while strengthening the use of cultural heritage for the community. According to the Minister, the Muarajambi KCBN and the museum will serve three primary functions: as a global centre for education and research, an inclusive cultural space, and a driver of community welfare.
“The Sriwijaya Dharmakirti Museum and Muara Jambi Temple can serve as a platform for the younger generation, as well as national and international researchers, to study maritime history, water-based urban planning, and the Nusantara civilisation of knowledge. Additionally, they will provide a space for local communities to continue celebrating the traditions, arts, and noble values passed down by our ancestors,” he added.
He expressed hope that the development of the museum and the revitalisation of the Muara Jambi Temple would provide a real economic impact on the surrounding community while serving as a learning space for Indonesian history and culture.
As part of the inauguration, the Minister of Culture and the Governor of Jambi Province witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Directorate General of Cultural Protection and Tradition and the Jambi Regional Police. The agreement aims to strengthen supervision and security against threats that could disrupt the preservation of the Muarajambi KCBN.
In line with this, the Director General of Cultural Protection and Tradition, Restu Gunawan, explained that the revitalisation process of the Muarajambi KCBN involves several stages, including land acquisition, restoration and environmental arrangement, upgrading visitor infrastructure with an urban landscape concept, and the digitisation and creation of animated films for the museum.
The Governor of Jambi Province, Al Haris, also supported the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to build the Muarajambi KCBN ecosystem. He stated that the museum would not only be a destination for the public but also an educational space and a reminder of past civilisation.
“The existence of the Sriwijeral Dharmakirti Museum showcases a miniature history of Buddhist civilisation. This museum is not merely something to be viewed, but will serve as a memory and an educational space,” Al Haris emphasised.
During the event, the Minister and his officials toured various museum facilities, including immersive rooms, collection galleries, a cinema, a library, and a museum merchandise stand. Concluding the ceremony, Fadli Zon called upon all government sectors and the public to work together to advance the Muarajambi KCBN ecosystem, describing the museum as a bridge between past memories and future designs, and between local knowledge and global conversation.