You know I don’t usually post on a weekday, but I want to get this out there before the year ends and it becomes far too long to be relevant. Exactly a week ago was my and Agung‘s 4th anniversary! It feels so unbelievable that we’ve been together for this long and known each other for longer. It seems only yesterday that we first talked to each other—a cliché I know, but for real. And so, obviously, we wanted to do something special on the weekend to celebrate, but were quickly dumbstruck upon deciding what we would do. We felt like we were always doing something special every weekend anyway, how would this one be any different? And so we decided: we would go to a museum.
Agung and I have always loved visiting places that have a cultural and historical significance—which you can see from the places we would visit on our travels—so a museum would be the perfect spot to celebrate our anniversary. Having wanted to go for years, I suggested Museum Kebangkitan Nasional—or Muskitnas for short—in Senen as our destination. It turns out Agung had never been either. Perfect! We would meet up on the spot.
You know I don’t usually post on a weekday, but I want to get this out there before the year ends and it becomes far too long to be relevant. Exactly a week ago was my and Agung‘s 4th anniversary! It feels so unbelievable that we’ve been together for this long and known each other for longer. It seems only yesterday that we first talked to each other—a cliché I know, but for real. And so, obviously, we wanted to do something special on the weekend to celebrate, but were quickly dumbstruck upon deciding what we would do. We felt like we were always doing something special every weekend anyway, how would this one be any different? And so we decided: we would go to a museum.
Agung and I have always loved visiting places that have a cultural and historical significance—which you can see from the places we would visit on our travels—so a museum would be the perfect spot to celebrate our anniversary. Having wanted to go for years, I suggested Museum Kebangkitan Nasional—or Muskitnas for short—in Senen as our destination. It turns out Agung had never been either. Perfect! We would meet up on the spot.
📷 Fujifilm X-T100 with Fujinon Aspherical Superb EBC XC 15-45mm lens
Okay, first, a little bit about the museum. In English, the museum is known as ‘Museum of National Awakening’—I know, sounds heavy—which showcases the history of formal education in Indonesia. We actually learnt about this in History class in school. It all began around early 20th century, with the formation of the Boedi Oetomo organisation. That’s pretty much what we learn from this museum.
The building itself used to house STOVIA (School Tot Opleiding Van Inlandsche Artsen), which was the first school for native physicians in Indonesia built in 1902. This school became the birthplace of Boedi Oetomo—and, ultimately, the education and enlightenment of the Indonesian people.
The school itself was moved to Salemba in 1920—known today as the Medical Department of Universitas Indonesia—and ended up being used for secondary and apothecary school in 1925. By the time the Japanese came in and took over the country in 1942, the school was no longer in use and effectively closed down.
Afterwards, the building just lay unused for 30 years before it was finally being revitalised by the city council in 1973. It was 1984 when the building officially became the museum that we know and love today. These days the museum has often been utilised for cool events, such as Jakarta Biennale and Satu Dekade Irama Nusantara exhibition a while back.
Okay, first, a little bit about the museum. In English, the museum is known as ‘Museum of National Awakening’—I know, sounds heavy—which showcases the history of formal education in Indonesia. We actually learnt about this in History class in school. It all began around early 20th century, with the formation of the Boedi Oetomo organisation. That’s pretty much what we learn from this museum.
The building itself used to house STOVIA (School Tot Opleiding Van Inlandsche Artsen), which was the first school for native physicians in Indonesia built in 1902. This school became the birthplace of Boedi Oetomo—and, ultimately, the education and enlightenment of the Indonesian people.
The school itself was moved to Salemba in 1920—known today as the Medical Department of Universitas Indonesia—and ended up being used for secondary and apothecary school in 1925. By the time the Japanese came in and took over the country in 1942, the school was no longer in use and effectively closed down.
Afterwards, the building just lay unused for 30 years before it was finally being revitalised by the city council in 1973. It was 1984 when the building officially became the museum that we know and love today. These days the museum has often been utilised for cool events, such as Jakarta Biennale and Satu Dekade Irama Nusantara exhibition a while back.
Spice Up History
At the time of our visit, it turns out the museum was hosting Pameran Jalur Rempah: Rumah Rempah Dunia in collaboration with Negeri Rempah Foundation and CultureLab Consultancy. The main attraction of the event was actually the small exhibition in the main building of the museum, but there were a lot others going on as well. In the inner courtyard of the museum, you can find a food festival offering various regional cuisines and beverages in coconut-leaf huts. On the far side of the museum, there is also a stage made out of bamboo where Synchronise Radio spins music during the day and concerts are held in the evening. You can find the artist lineup here. It was so cute! Like a mini music festival at the museum.
We spent a while at the exhibition itself. While it was rather small, the exhibit was incredible! The small exhibition room was basically divided into 5 areas—most of which were comprised of hi-tech facilities. As you walk into the room, you’ll be greeted with this life-size replica of The Borobudur Ship facing a widescreen displaying the sea. You can hop onto the ship and push a button to start the mini animation, where you get to have a somewhat immersive experience of being on board the historic ship back in the day.
There was also an interactive map of the Spice Route with actual spices organised neatly before it—if you pick one up, its trade route will appear on the top screen while the bottom screen shows its origins, health benefits and common uses. Lastly, another section in the far corner shows you the replica of ancient coins from various regions that were being used for trade in Indonesia during the pre-colonial era—complete with an interactive screen that gives more detailed info on each one, where you get to see a 3D model and a 360º view of them.
We were so immersed in the exhibition that we barely took any photos of it. You might have seen a little video of it on my Instagram Story, though. If you’re interested, Pameran Jalur Rempah is still available to visit until 31 December 2023, with different activities and artists performing pretty much everyday.
Borrowed top // gifted skirt // Sejauh Mata Memandang scarf (old) // Tiga Mata Sapi tote bag //
thrifted shoes // photos of me by Agung
At the time of our visit, it turns out the museum was hosting Pameran Jalur Rempah: Rumah Rempah Dunia in collaboration with Negeri Rempah Foundation and CultureLab Consultancy. The main attraction of the event was actually the small exhibition in the main building of the museum, but there were a lot others going on as well. In the inner courtyard of the museum, you can find a food festival offering various regional cuisines and beverages in coconut-leaf huts. On the far side of the museum, there is also a stage made out of bamboo where Synchronise Radio spins music during the day and concerts are held in the evening. You can find the artist lineup here. It was so cute! Like a mini music festival at the museum.
We spent a while at the exhibition itself. While it was rather small, the exhibit was incredible! The small exhibition room was basically divided into 5 areas—most of which were comprised of hi-tech facilities. As you walk into the room, you’ll be greeted with this life-size replica of The Borobudur Ship facing a widescreen displaying the sea. You can hop onto the ship and push a button to start the mini animation, where you get to have a somewhat immersive experience of being on board the historic ship back in the day.
There was also an interactive map of the Spice Route with actual spices organised neatly before it—if you pick one up, its trade route will appear on the top screen while the bottom screen shows its origins, health benefits and common uses. Lastly, another section in the far corner shows you the replica of ancient coins from various regions that were being used for trade in Indonesia during the pre-colonial era—complete with an interactive screen that gives more detailed info on each one, where you get to see a 3D model and a 360º view of them.
We were so immersed in the exhibition that we barely took any photos of it. You might have seen a little video of it on my Instagram Story, though. If you’re interested, Pameran Jalur Rempah is still available to visit until 31 December 2023, with different activities and artists performing pretty much everyday.
Borrowed top // gifted skirt // Sejauh Mata Memandang scarf (old) // Tiga Mata Sapi tote bag // thrifted shoes // photos of me by Agung
On School Grounds
Probably because the school was moved elsewhere or due to the Japanese occupation that left this complex abandoned, but a lot of the buildings have been emptied out of the original school facilities with which it may have once been equipped. We cannot actually see how each room has been utilised previously, but the museum coordinator did its best by using life-size diorama to re-enact a lot of the scenes that may have once filled these rooms.
There were various classroom dioramas—filled with statues or historical figures and their pupils. Some of these dioramas are only included since they fit the theme, despite never taking place at STOVIA—i.e. Kartini’s school. You can interact with the dioramas too—walk through the classroom aisle, sit down next to a student or pretend to cheat off their notes. I had so much fun doing this, although Agung was pretty much spooked by this—especially as the afternoon slowly slid into dusk. Thankfully, none of them turned their heads and responded to me. That would have been traumatic 
After we were satisfied with the exhibition, we started exploring the museum. The old school ground takes up a total area of approx. 15,000 m², so it was really huge. There wasn’t a lot of wayfinding signs to go by—I mean, there were some but they were far and few between. The area signage and segmentations was also not entirely clear. Literally every building looks the same that we were never sure whether or not we have entered one building or another. So we just kept walking every which way we fancied.
Personally, we didn’t mind it as much because we were basking in the details of the buildings. Agung remarked that public schools in Indonesia today still pretty much look like this, making the museum feel so warm somehow. We particularly love the ornaments lining the roof—a colonial influence that later on became adapted into Betawi style. Not to mention the giant-ass wooden windows. We even saw some art nouveau ornaments here and there that simply hooked me.
After we were satisfied with the exhibition, we started exploring the museum. The old school ground takes up a total area of approx. 15,000 m², so it was really huge. There wasn’t a lot of wayfinding signs to go by—I mean, there were some but they were far and few between. The area signage and segmentations was also not entirely clear. Literally every building looks the same that we were never sure whether or not we have entered one building or another. So we just kept walking every which way we fancied.
Personally, we didn’t mind it as much because we were basking in the details of the buildings. Agung remarked that public schools in Indonesia today still pretty much look like this, making the museum feel so warm somehow. We particularly love the ornaments lining the roof—a colonial influence that later on became adapted into Betawi style. Not to mention the giant-ass wooden windows. We even saw some art nouveau ornaments here and there that simply hooked me.
Probably because the school was moved elsewhere or due to the Japanese occupation that left this complex abandoned, but a lot of the buildings have been emptied out of the original school facilities with which it may have once been equipped. We cannot actually see how each room has been utilised previously, but the museum coordinator did its best by using life-size diorama to re-enact a lot of the scenes that may have once filled these rooms.
There were various classroom dioramas—filled with statues or historical figures and their pupils. Some of these dioramas are only included since they fit the theme, despite never taking place at STOVIA—i.e. Kartini’s school. You can interact with the dioramas too—walk through the classroom aisle, sit down next to a student or pretend to cheat off their notes. I had so much fun doing this, although Agung was pretty much spooked by this—especially as the afternoon slowly slid into dusk. Thankfully, none of them turned their heads and responded to me. That would have been traumatic
We also stumbled upon a dorm room with beds lined up against the walls—complete with mattresses, pillows and body pillows. It was so realistic, that I had to do a double take on the statues being placed around an empty bed, as if they were discussing something. You can see the statues in the photo above. I mean, look at how lifelike they are in silhouette! If it were completely dark, I would’ve mistaken them for actual human beings.
I almost lie down on the bed to immerse myself in the diorama even more—before Agung stopped me for fear of getting cursed.
Our favourite diorama was the main attraction of the permanent exhibition of the museum: the bronze classroom diorama in a corner room. It was so beautifully crafted—the figures all look so full of expression and the layout of the classroom so well organised. Brilliant! Agung was both too hot and tired to go take a look, but even he had to admit that it looked amazing in the photos.
Since the buildings are pretty much scattered far away from one another, there were probably a lot of other dioramas that we missed out on though. I believe there were also a library and a coffee shop.
We also stumbled upon a dorm room with beds lined up against the walls—complete with mattresses, pillows and body pillows. It was so realistic, that I had to do a double take on the statues being placed around an empty bed, as if they were discussing something. You can see the statues in the photo above. I mean, look at how lifelike they are in silhouette! If it were completely dark, I would’ve mistaken them for actual human beings.
I almost lie down on the bed to immerse myself in the diorama even more—before Agung stopped me for fear of getting cursed.
Our favourite diorama was the main attraction of the permanent exhibition of the museum: the bronze classroom diorama in a corner room. It was so beautifully crafted—the figures all look so full of expression and the layout of the classroom so well organised. Brilliant! Agung was both too hot and tired to go take a look, but even he had to admit that it looked amazing in the photos.
Since the buildings are pretty much scattered far away from one another, there were probably a lot of other dioramas that we missed out on though. I believe there were also a library and a coffee shop.
Class Is Out!
Lastly, aside from dioramas, there were rooms filled with information on the rise of Indonesia’s educational system. Starting from Boedi Oetomo in 1908, to Serikat Islam led by H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto and many other student-led organisations that eventually resulted in our country’s independence. As you can see above, we got to see the logo for Boedi Oetomo as well—which I’d never seen before, and I love the look of it so much. We also saw various photographs and information regarding the daily school life at STOVIA back when it was still here, as well as the first doctors to graduate from this school—notably two women who became the pioneer of female native physicians in Indonesia. It was all very interesting to look at and learn.
Afterwards, we sat down at the food festival area to have a refreshing beverage and hashed down our experience at the museum. Agung thought I asked to go here because of the Pameran Jalan Rempah event, but I didn’t know about it until we arrived on the spot. It’s so curious how such a fun-looking event, filled with quite well-known performers and interesting activities, didn’t get more hype that it should—especially considering the wonderful architecture of the buildings as well. The place was actually pretty desolate for a weekend.
All in all, Agung really enjoyed our visit to the museum. It’s a bit of a shame that a lot of the buildings were empty and looked pretty abandoned too. Considering the large area, it would’ve been great to see more exhibits within the museum. We both suspect that the museum gets rented out now and then as venues for events, such as the ongoing one right now. We were glad to have paid the museum a visit, as we were both new to the place. I would highly recommend it as a place for anyone to spend New Year’s Eve, if you’ve got nothing planned yet. The ticket is rather cheap too—cheaper than most other museums! So what are you waiting for?
Museum of National Awakening is open everyday
Pameran Jalur Rempah will be available to visit
until 31 December 2023
Be sure to stop by!
Lastly, aside from dioramas, there were rooms filled with information on the rise of Indonesia’s educational system. Starting from Boedi Oetomo in 1908, to Serikat Islam led by H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto and many other student-led organisations that eventually resulted in our country’s independence. As you can see above, we got to see the logo for Boedi Oetomo as well—which I’d never seen before, and I love the look of it so much. We also saw various photographs and information regarding the daily school life at STOVIA back when it was still here, as well as the first doctors to graduate from this school—notably two women who became the pioneer of female native physicians in Indonesia. It was all very interesting to look at and learn.
Afterwards, we sat down at the food festival area to have a refreshing beverage and hashed down our experience at the museum. Agung thought I asked to go here because of the Pameran Jalan Rempah event, but I didn’t know about it until we arrived on the spot. It’s so curious how such a fun-looking event, filled with quite well-known performers and interesting activities, didn’t get more hype that it should—especially considering the wonderful architecture of the buildings as well. The place was actually pretty desolate for a weekend.
All in all, Agung really enjoyed our visit to the museum. It’s a bit of a shame that a lot of the buildings were empty and looked pretty abandoned too. Considering the large area, it would’ve been great to see more exhibits within the museum. We both suspect that the museum gets rented out now and then as venues for events, such as the ongoing one right now. We were glad to have paid the museum a visit, as we were both new to the place. I would highly recommend it as a place for anyone to spend New Year’s Eve, if you’ve got nothing planned yet. The ticket is rather cheap too—cheaper than most other museums! So what are you waiting for?
Museum of National Awakening is open everyday
Pameran Jalur Rempah will be available to visit
until 31 December 2023
Be sure to stop by!