Get insight into a range of topics, from colonial times in Jakarta to Indonesia in prehistoric eras, when you visit the Jakarta History Museum. Admire the stylish Dutch architecture and imagine the building in times gone by when it served as the city hall to the colonizing Dutch.
The museum is also known as the Fatahillah Museum or Batavia Museum, and opened in 1974. The building it is housed in, however, is much older. It dates back to 1710 when the Dutch made it the administrative centre of their new colony. It is one of the best and few remaining examples of Dutch architecture of the period and much of the structure remains unaltered since it was built.
Explore the museum’s 37 halls, each of which features a different period of the country’s history. The museum comprises a staggering 23,500 separate collections with the majority paying homage to the former Dutch colonies. Browse an assortment of maps and antique furniture as well as rare memorabilia such as ceramics and paintings from the Dutch East India Company. This was the organization that regulated trade activities in the area during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Stroll around the museum gardens to the rear of the building and you will find an array of artifacts from Indonesia and Europe. Look out for the statue of Hermes, the Greek god of fortune. Go beneath the building to discover the notorious prison cells, where Indonesian freedom fighters were taken to be tortured. A statue of one such fighter, Prince Diponegoro, riding a horse is a prominent feature of Fatihillah Square, in front of the museum. A large Portuguese canon, known as Si Jagur is also located in this square.
Glean insight into proud local traditions in the section of the museum dedicated to local arts and crafts. Find a rich collection of Betawi-style furniture dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as two large statues of traditional performance puppets known as Ondel-Ondels. Journey deeper into the country’s past with several exhibitions displaying prehistoric artifacts including tools and weapons found on the nation’s many islands.
Despite being located in Jakarta’s old city, the museum is well serviced by public transport with a bus terminal just a short walk away. The museum is open every day except for Mondays and holidays. There is a small fee for admission.
