Indonesia has a maritime tradition spanning hundreds if not thousands of years that has kept the islands of the archipelago connected. The Maritime Museum or Museum Bahari in Jakarta housed in a set of 17th and 18th century Dutch East India Company spice warehouses in the old Sunda Kelapa harbor is the ideal place to showcase this history through a series of interesting exhibits. The two storied historical buildings with their wooden interior alone are worth a visit.
The exhibits in the museum attempt to record and preserve the nautical history and traditions of the various islands of the Indonesian archipelago and the important role it played and continues to play in the country’s economy. Among the exhibits are models of ships of the Dutch East India Company equipped with cannons, a scale model of Onrust island that was used as a ship repair port in the 19th century and the Makassar or Pinisi schooners of the Bugis people of South Sulawesi that still sail between islands and are found unloading cargo in Sunda Kelapa harbour. Other exhibits of interest include a model of Majapahit an ancient sailing vessel from Java the likeness of which is found on a bas relief in the temple of Borobudur, a collection of traditional fishing and other boats such as the Lancang a sailboat used around Banten, Sumatra and Kalimantan islands, stone anchors, a collection of traditional ship building tools and descriptions of maritime traditions and legends. A collection of navigational aids such as a sextant used for astronomical navigation, lighthouse lamps and information on lighthouses around the country, maps and site plans of ancient port cities of Indonesia and posters and photos taken from KMP steam ships that operated a regular shipping service among Indonesia’s islands and to Singapore and Hong Kong from the late 19th to the mid 20th century provoke curiosity. A shell of a giant clam and many fish specimens from around Indonesian waters that demonstrate the biodiversity around the islands adds an interesting touch.
Stay at the Somerset Berlian Jakarta, a good alternative to a hotel. Its spacious two and three bedroom fully equipped apartments offer facilities and amenities that makes it one of the most comfortable Jakarta accommodation. In a convenient location close to shopping, dining, business and diplomatic areas this service apartment in Jakarta offers quick access to the destination of choice.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.