Museum revitalization is not limited to renovating buildings

Revitalization of the museum is needed to optimize its function, but not neglect its preservation.

KOMPAS/TATANG MULYANA SINAGA

The atmosphere of the Vredeburg Fortress Museum in Yogyakarta, which is currently being revitalized, on Saturday (April 27, 2024). The museum revitalization project, managed by the Public Services Agency for Museums and Cultural Heritage or Indonesian Heritage Agency (BLU MCB/IHA), is not only limited to physical renovation but also includes the improvement of visitor services, including through education programs.

YOGYAKARTA, KOMPAS – Museum revitalization is not limited to renovating the building to make it more aesthetic. Revitalization includes improving various aspects to optimize the function of the museum, starting from preserving cultural heritage, educating the public, to serving as a recreational facility.

A number of buildings Vredeburg Fort Museum in Yogyakarta have been renovated in a revitalization project since early March 2024. The revitalization, which costs around IDR 50 billion, is targeted for completion next June.

Apart from renovating the building, a number of visitor services, one of which is educational programs, have also been improved. This is part of the museum transformation which is managed by the General Services Agency for Museums and Cultural Heritage or Indonesian Heritage Agency (BLU MCB/IHA ).

The Head of the Vredeburg Fortress Museum Unit, M Rosyid Ridlo, said that the museum has created several new service programs, such as video mapping, digital relief, and dancing fountain. The addition of these services is expected to optimize the museum's function as a means of education and recreation.

See also: Revitalization of the Fort Vredeburg Museum in Yogyakarta

KOMPAS/TATANG MULYANA SINAGA

The person in charge of the Fort Vredeburg Museum Unit, M Rosyid Ridlo, walks on the museum grounds, Saturday (27/4/2024).

"So, it's not just about renovating buildings, but developing new programs. The goal of revitalization is to optimize the functions of the museum," he said while guiding a media visit to the Vredeburg Fortress Museum on Saturday (27/4/2024).

The Benteng Vredeburg Museum occupies an area of approximately 46,000 square meters. Its location is strategic as it is located near the zero point kilometers of Yogyakarta and Jalan Malioboro which is a major tourist destination.

This museum houses more than 7,000 historical objects. Its building is also a cultural heritage site that was first constructed in 1760. The fortress was originally named Rustenburg, or "resting fortress." Meanwhile, Vredeburg means "fortress of peace."

The history of the fort's journey can be witnessed by visitors through a video mapping service that lasts for 8-10 minutes. This service is planned to be launched after the revitalization is completed in June.

KOMPAS/TATANG MULYANA SINAGA

Two workers are installing garden lights in the west courtyard of the Vredeburg Fort Museum in Yogyakarta, on Saturday (27/4/2024). The museum's revitalization, managed by the Public Service Agency for Museums and Cultural Heritage Conservation or the Indonesian Heritage Agency (BLU MCB/IHA), is targeted to be completed by June.

"Video mapping will be displayed on the west wall with a length of approximately 90 meters. This is part of the education program as well as increasing interaction with visitors," he said.

Boost visitors

With the BLU scheme, museum management becomes more flexible, including for collaboration with various parties. This makes the source of income more diverse, not just relying on ticket sales.

Currently, the entrance fee for museums is Rp 2,000 for children and Rp 3,000 for adults. If a group of 20 or more visitors arrive, the ticket price will be Rp 1,000 for children and Rp 2,000 for adults. The ticket price for foreign tourists, on the other hand, is Rp 10,000.

Rosyid stated that the number of visitors to the Vredeburg Fort Museum in 2023 reached 512,000 people. This figure represents an increase compared to previous years, with around 400,000 visitors.

The history of the fort's journey can be witnessed by visitors through a video mapping service that lasts for 8-10 minutes. This service is planned to be launched after the revitalization is completed in June.

Revitalizing the museum with the addition of various services is expected to boost the number of visitors. "This year, because the museum was closed from March to May, the target number of visitors is 450,000. For next year, we are optimistic that we can reach 700,000 visitors," he said.

The management of the Fort Vredeburg Museum will also optimize its function as a communal public space. To accommodate public needs, the museum will provide a children's room, merchandise shop, coworking space, and cafe.

Preservation

Rosyid added that museum revitalization still prioritizes preservation aspects. Therefore, the process also involves various parties, including archaeologists, to ensure that cultural heritage protection is not neglected.

KOMPAS/TATANG MULYANA SINAGA

Cultural heritage preservation consultant, Ari Setyastuti, at the Fort Vredeburg Museum, Yogyakarta, Saturday (27/4/2024).

Cultural heritage preservation consultant, Ari Setyastuti, said that the development and utilization of cultural heritage must be in line with its preservation. Building renovations are not solely based on aesthetic aspects.

"If there is any damaged cultural heritage, it should not be immediately removed and replaced with a new one. Instead, it should be conserved using various methods. However, if the damage is severe and has the potential to endanger visitors, alternative options can be sought," he explained.

The transformation of museums and cultural heritages applies the concept of reimagination which includes aspects of reprogramming with a focus on updating curatorial and collections, redesigning which aims to renovate buildings and spaces to make them safe and comfortable, as well as reinvigoratingor focusing on strengthening institutional professionalism and increasing competence. These three things have their own strategic programs.

Also read: Refreshing the Face of Museums and Cultural Heritage

KOMPAS/TATANG MULYANA SINAGA

Workers are observing a diorama at the Fort Vredeburg Museum, DI Yogyakarta, Saturday (27/4/2024).

"We are committed to changing the perception and traditional function of museums, making them dynamic communal spaces that encourage interaction between visitors and the museum itself," said Acting Head of MCB Ahmad Mahendra.

Apart from the Vredeburg Fortress Museum, BLU MCB, which is under the Directorate General of Culture of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology also manages 17 other museums and 34 cultural heritages. Some of them are the National Museum, Indonesian National Gallery, Indonesian Batik Museum, Semedo Tegal Prehistoric Museum, and Sangiran Prehistoric Museum.

There are also National Cultural Heritage Sites such as Muarajambi, Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Gunung Padang Site, Leang Timpuseng Site, and Duurstede Fortress located in several regions such as Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and Maluku.