“Who was Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin?” I ask you. Let’s step inside the Museum Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin. It stands as a tribute to a Betawi hero. He fought tirelessly for Indonesia’s independence.
This museum is more than just a building. It is a portal. It connects us to Thamrin’s life. He was declared a National Hero in 1964. The Museum Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin honors his struggle against colonialism. It marks where national leaders met. They discussed the path to independence.
Before becoming a museum, the building had a different life. A Dutchman named Maneer de Haas built it in the early 20th century. It served as storage for imported fruits. It was also a site for animal butchering. MH Thamrin bought the building in 1927. He renovated it. Then, he dedicated it to public organizations, political movements, and education.
The building became known as Gedung Pemufakatan. It was a gathering place. People united to strive for Indonesian independence here. The Museum Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin hosted significant events. The Indonesian People’s Congress declared Indonesia should have a parliament here. The National Party of Indonesia held a congress here in 1935. In 1939, the United Indonesian Party held their congress here. It even served as a school. National movement figures taught here.
Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin passed away on January 11, 1941. To honor his contributions, the building became the Museum MH Thamrin in 1986. The museum’s collection largely came from Thamrin’s family. Though he had no children of his own, his adopted child contributed greatly.
Among the artifacts, you will find a glass cabinet. You’ll see a dressing table. There are chairs for guests and a blangkon. It’s a traditional Javanese headdress. Two Philips radios are also on display. MH Thamrin used one to listen to news. He learned about events from home and abroad.
The Museum Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin also has items from other donors. A vintage bicycle came from a Yogyakarta community. These bicycles were popular during Thamrin’s time.
As you walk through the Museum Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin, notice the statue of Thamrin. It stands proudly in the outdoor area. Inside, photos display Thamrin’s struggle. They show Jakarta during his life. His wardrobe is here. Textbooks and speeches are displayed. Paintings depict key moments in his life.
The radio reminds us of how Thamrin stayed informed. It shows his dedication to the cause. The Museum Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin also has a meeting room. Seminars and workshops take place here.
The Museum Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin is located on Jalan Kenari 2 Nomor 15. It is open every day except Monday. The museum welcomes visitors to learn about MH Thamrin. It keeps his spirit alive. He remains an iconic figure in Indonesian history.