In a vibrant display of cultural heritage, 36 museums from across Indonesia are participating in the 2025 Nusantara Fabric Exhibition at the Ranggawarsita Museum in Semarang. The exhibition, themed "Rupa Warna Wastra Nusantara," was inaugurated by the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, on Friday, May 9, 2025. The event was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin, and the Chair of Dekranasda Jateng, Nawal Arafah Yasin.
The exhibition is set to run until May 12, 2025, with the Provincial Government of Central Java targeting an impressive 6,000 visits during this period. To enhance the experience, various activities are planned, including a batik workshop, a museum gathering night at Lawang Sewu, a seminar on museum management at Akpol, an art expression stage, and a fashion show featuring students from fashion design vocational schools across Central Java.
Sadimin, the Head of the Education and Culture Department of Central Java, emphasized the importance of collaboration among museums, stating that such events serve as a platform to promote and publicize the diversity and richness of Nusantara wastra works to the public. He noted that the exhibition aims to enhance the visibility of museums as attractive educational tourism destinations, particularly for the younger generation.
Deputy Governor Taj Yasin expressed pride in Central Java being chosen as the host for the Nusantara Fabric Exhibition. He highlighted the region's wealth and diversity of Nusantara wastra, which he believes must be preserved. The local government is committed to cultural preservation, which includes improving museum facilities and implementing a policy requiring provincial government employees to wear traditional clothing every Thursday.
"Nusantara wastra not only reflects the identity of each region but also embodies philosophical values and life lessons," Taj Yasin remarked. He shared that specific batik motifs convey messages such as 'alon-alon waton kelakon,' meaning 'slowly but surely.' This philosophy underscores the cultural significance embedded in traditional fabrics.
During the exhibition, both Taj Yasin and Fadli Zon toured various booths showcasing diverse fabric collections. They expressed admiration for the skills demonstrated by students in the art of batik at the Pekalongan Batik Museum booth. Additionally, Fadli Zon took the opportunity to inaugurate new facilities at the Ranggawarsita Museum, including Graha Ranggawarsita, The Wonderful Heritage of Central Java, and the Masterpiece of Ranggawarsita Museum.
Fadli Zon praised the Central Java Provincial Government for its meticulous preparation of the Nusantara wastra exhibition, noting that it represents a significant step in promoting cultural advancement. "We appreciate the organization of this exhibition of traditional Nusantara fabrics at the Ranggawarsita Museum. It is a vital part of cultural promotion, especially considering the diversity of traditional fabrics," he stated.
Meanwhile, in Jakarta, residents are being offered a unique nighttime experience at the Maritime Museum. On May 10–11, 2025, the museum will conduct a trial of extended hours, remaining open until 8:00 PM WIB. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta to enhance public access to cultural institutions.
The Maritime Museum is one of five museums participating in this trial, alongside the Jakarta History Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts & Ceramics, the Wayang Museum, and the Betawi Museum. Mis'ari, the Head of the Jakarta Maritime Museum Management Unit, expressed enthusiasm for the nighttime opening, stating, "As the manager, I welcome the idea of extending museum hours into the evening. We hope more people will have the opportunity to visit the museum."
Visitors will be treated to a unique experience exploring the former 17th-century Spice Warehouse building at night. The museum will feature an art installation exhibition titled "Ghost Nets: Awakening The Drifting Giants," showcasing giant marine animal sculptures made from discarded nets that have drifted in the waters of the Torres Strait Islands. This exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's responsibility towards the ocean and its environment.
Additionally, the museum will host an exhibition titled "Building on Wetlands," which narrates the origin of the Maritime Museum building. Visitors can also enjoy the ARUNG animated film and a short film highlighting coastal communities, which are winners of the Bahari on Screen competition for 2023 and 2024. These films will be screened at BIOSEUM, or the Malahayati Museum Cinema.
For those interested in history, the Maritime Museum Library will offer a literacy program featuring a wealth of maritime archives and narratives from the archipelago, enriching visitors' understanding of Indonesia's maritime heritage.
This initiative marks a significant shift from the museum's previous operating hours, which were limited to 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM WIB. The trial aims to assess the feasibility of nighttime operations and to engage a broader audience in cultural experiences after hours.
Both the Nusantara Fabric Exhibition and the Maritime Museum's nighttime opening reflect a growing commitment to cultural engagement and education across Indonesia. These events not only celebrate the country's rich heritage but also seek to foster a deeper appreciation for the arts and history among the younger generation.
As these initiatives unfold, they highlight the importance of museums in promoting cultural awareness and preserving Indonesia's diverse traditions. With a focus on accessibility and engagement, these cultural institutions are poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of Indonesia's cultural landscape.
