As August 17th is Indonesian Independence Day, how about enjoying and learning more about the country? Indonesia's Independence Day also unites the vast cultural diversity. Let's go on a museum tour to learn more!
- Central Jakarta: Antara Photo Gallery And Bank Indonesia Museum
Starting from the heart of Indonesia, Central Jakarta. You can visit the Antara Photo Gallery and Museum to check out some of the amazing moments of Indonesia's recent History. You will find yourself in a walk-through history book. Various pictures showcase the range of motion of political, courageous, and volatile stories in Indonesia.
After checking out vintage pictures, you can also go to Kota Tua to visit the Bank Indonesia Museum. This place is in Kota Tua (Old Town). From the façade to the content, it explains the financial history of Indonesia. It includes the range of Dutch occupation, Suharto's impact, and the huge Asian Financial Crisis in 1997.
- East Jakarta: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Probably one of the best first steps to exploring Indonesia for ex-pats is going to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. This place is also translated as Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park. You can visit to check out the miniatures of 26 provinces made out of dioramas and museums. It was built in 1975, but it is still one of the must-see and must-visit places in Indonesia.
- Bandung, West Java: Museum of Asian and African conference
Bandung has one of the museums with a strong history of Indonesia, and it is about the Asian-African Conference. What about it? In 1955, Bandung held the conference that became the glory of Soekarno. It was a successful conference, where Indonesia successfully promoted a cross-continental economy to fight colonialism and build political ties. It is a place that represents Indonesia's revolution.
- Banda Aceh: Aceh Tsunami Museum
Going back to 2004, Banda Aceh, or West Sumatera, was hit by the devastating tsunami. As the continent tried to move on, the destructive event became Indonesia's history. It might be hard to see, but you can check how the tsunami affects the nation through the Aceh Tsunami Museum. It is about commemoration, appreciation, and remembrance of how strong Aceh and Indonesia tried to go back up again.
- Yogyakarta: Yogyakarta Fortress
The story of colonization is found in various places around Indonesia, including the famous Yogyakarta Fortress. This old Fort Vredeburg Museum holds the silent story of being the host of major military and political events in Yogyakarta. Here, you can learn various stories about Indonesia's colonization era, independence, and fun common knowledge through interactive exhibits.
- Bali – Ogoh Ogoh Museum
Bali has a lot to offer as well. The Ogoh Ogoh Museum is more authentical and local, which is about the particular events and happenings of the Holiday period before Nyepi. There are many cultural references to religion, tradition, custom, and culture in this museum. They become a fraction of the identity of Bali as part of Indonesia and as a major Hindu island.
It's amazing when you found that Indonesia's Independence Day is more than just a freedom story. It is also about the vast cultural diversity and the huge significance of every place. Hence, visiting the museum on different continents, cities, or islands may add more knowledge about Indonesia's recent history. So, explore more with museums!
