Colonial Legacies and Postcolonial Transformations: Traces of Colonial Museums in Indonesia's Historical and Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Museums in Indonesia play a pivotal role in preserving the nation's history and culture, including those dedicated to the colonial era. Colonial-era museums not only house artifacts and collections that reflect societal life during the period of occupation but also illustrate the social, political, and economic interactions between colonizers and the Indonesian populace. This study aims to explore the role of colonial museums in shaping perceptions of history and national identity in Indonesia, as well as their significance in the nation's collective memory. Employing historical research methods, this article examines the early history of museums in Indonesia, the establishment of scientific institutions underpinning colonial museums, and the functions of key colonial-era museums—such as the National Museum, Aceh Museum, and Zoological Museum—within the context of Dutch colonial governance. The findings reveal that these museums were initially established to serve the scientific research interests of the colonizing powers and to exert control over the natural and cultural resources of the colonized territories. While colonial museums made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge, they also reflected biased colonial perspectives that reinforced Western dominance. Nevertheless, the legacy of these colonial museums forms the foundation for modern Indonesian museums, which are now more inclusive, educational, and community-engaged in preserving history and culture.