Doesn’t it make you curious how vital the sea is to Indonesia? The Maritime Museum stands here as a testament to that rich maritime history. It shows Indonesia’s deep connection to the ocean. Located in Jakarta’s old Sunda Kelapa harbor area the Maritime Museum is housed in former Dutch East India Company warehouses. These warehouses are historical landmarks themselves. They were built in the 17th century.
Once, these warehouses stored valuable spices. Nutmeg, pepper, coffee, tea and cloth were kept here. They were awaiting shipment to ports across Asia and Europe. The warehouses are divided into two sections. The Westzijdsche Pakhuizen and Oostzijdsche Pakhuizen. These translate to “warehouses of the west bank” and “warehouses of the east bank.” Three of the four Westzijdsche Pakhuizen buildings are now part of the Maritime Museum.
Look closely at the stones above some doors. The dates you see mark repairs and expansions to the warehouses. Imagine guards patrolling the wooden gallery that once stood here. It protected supplies of copper and tin. This gallery gave them a view of the waterfront.
The Maritime Museum officially opened on July 7, 1977. It became a place to showcase Indonesia’s maritime heritage. Inside, you will find ship models and maritime objects. These items come from all over Indonesia. A highlight is the Pinisi schooners from South Sulawesi. These ships are among the last sea-going sailing fleets.
Notice the model of the island of Onrust. It was once a shipyard. Here, the Dutch East Indian ships were repaired. Also of interest are ship models from the Indonesian Archipelago. Look for the replica of a Majapahit ship. It is based on carvings from the Borobudur temple. The museum displays various navigational tools too. See Indonesian Navy maps and old photos of K.P.M. ships.
The Maritime Museum also features an exhibit about biological oceanography. It shows the biodiversity of Indonesia’s coastal areas. In January 2018, a fire damaged much of the museum. But the spirit of the Maritime Museum lives on. The goods were rescued after the fire. The museum stands as a symbol. It represents Indonesia’s maritime past and future.
Before you leave, consider visiting Menara Syahbandar. This watchtower is near the Maritime Museum. It once monitored activity in Sunda Kelapa harbor. The tower offers views of the harbor area.
As you explore the Maritime Museum, remember Indonesia’s long relationship with the sea. The museum is a reminder of the country’s seafaring traditions. These traditions shaped Indonesia’s identity. The Maritime Museum is a treasure. It preserves and shares Indonesia’s maritime history.