Imagine students gathering here long ago. They were activists from different regions. This is Museum Sumpah Pemuda. It stands as a testament to Indonesia’s youth. The museum marks their struggle for independence.
Located on Jalan Kramat Raya No 106 in Central Jakarta. It’s managed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Youth Pledge Museum is open to the public. You can visit Tuesday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, it’s open 8 am to 4 pm too. The museum is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
Inside Museum Sumpah Pemuda is a collection of photos and objects. They tell the story of the 1928 Youth Pledge. These items showcase the national youth movement. The museum became a national heritage object thanks to a 1972 decree.
The building itself has a rich history. In 1925, it became a boarding house for students. Many were part of Jong Java. They called the building Langen Siswo. Here, they engaged in scouting and political discussions. They also rehearsed Javanese art. Figures like Muhammad Yamin and Amir Sjarifuddin lived here.
The Dutch East Indies government kept a close watch. They knew the youth were meeting. The Politieke Inlichtingen Dienst or PID monitored them. The house at 106 was under constant surveillance.
The Indonesia Raya magazine was created in this building. The residents named the building Indonesische Clubhuis. It was the official place for youth meetings. This happened in 1927.
Youth activities moved to Jalan Kramat 156 in 1934. Kramat 106 was rented to others. It became a flower shop and even a hotel. Later, it housed the Customs and Excise Inspectorate.
In 1968, Sunario sought to restore the building. He wanted to honor the Sumpah Pemuda. The Governor of Jakarta agreed. On May 20, 1973, the Sumpah Pemuda Building was inaugurated. President Soeharto reopened it on May 20, 1974.
Museum Sumpah Pemuda has almost 3,000 items. The Kramat 106 building is the main collection. It’s divided into a main building and a pavilion. The main building has a porch, living room, and five rooms. There’s also a meeting room. The pavilion has two rooms.
The museum displays photos of youth organizations. You’ll also find flags and stamps. One special item is Wage Rudolf Supratman’s violin. There are statues of youth figures too.
The exhibition follows the Youth Oath event’s timeline. It starts with the Introduction Room. Here, you’ll see a map of Indonesia. It shows where youth organizations were based. The original Dutch-era tile floors are still here.
The Youth Growth Organization Chamber shows early youth movements. These include Perhimpunan Indonesia and Jong Java. You can also see scouting equipment from the 1920s. The Kongres Pemuda Indonesia Kedua Chamber focuses on the Second Youth Congress. A mini diorama shows the atmosphere of the event.
Museum Sumpah Pemuda is more than a building. It’s a symbol of unity and the relentless pursuit of independence. As you leave, remember the youth who shaped Indonesia’s destiny. Their spirit lives on within these walls.