Didik Suhardi: Utilization of Museums as National Cultural Treasures Needs Hard Work from the Government and Museum Personnel

The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, in this case the Deputy for Coordination of Mental Revolution, Promotion of Culture and Sports Achievement, Didik Suhardi, this morning chaired a meeting to discuss the development and use of museums as the nation’s cultural treasures in Jakarta.

The purpose of this meeting is to gather ideas and information regarding problems in museum protection and also to equalize the perception of K/L in efforts to protect museums as the nation’s cultural treasures, in accordance with the functions and duties of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, namely synergizing K/L and local governments in resolve strategic cultural issues in accordance with policy directions, promote and preserve culture.

In his speech, Didik said that the museum can be seen from several functions, including the museum as a heritage that must be preserved and protected.

The development and utilization of museums requires hard work in the management and socialization of museums in order to increase public enthusiasm and interest in visiting museums, and as a means of education that museums are cultural heritage that must be protected.

“Museums as cultural products, I think we must preserve and require attention from all parties, of course with the existence of museum associations that take part in guarding as community participation it is very necessary to pay attention to the condition of museums in the country,” said Didik.

Furthermore, the function of the museum as an educational facility for children, where children can learn about historical objects in the museum, so that they understand about historical objects in the museum.

Therefore, it is very important how learning in schools can relate contextually to lessons that can be linked to museums, so that the use of museums as the nation’s cultural treasures can really be implemented properly.

The next function, the museum as a place of expedition.

In this case, it can be done, for example, on the sidelines of the museum as a place for cultural exhibitions, competitions and activities that can be related to the museum, so that the museum can be utilized optimally.

“I hope that the management, development, utilization, dissemination and input from the public for museums in Indonesia need to be improved, so that museums in Indonesia can become a comfortable place to visit, a place to learn about culture and a comfortable place for historical tours,” added Didik.

At the end of his speech, Didik added that the Museum as a strategic node for national identity can also be a place for the development of the National Mental Revolution Movement (GNRM), this is to improve work ethic, mutual cooperation and integrity and this process is carried out continuously so that our culture will continues to grow and Indonesia is ready to become a big country.

Present at the meeting were the Assistant Deputy for Cultural Promotion and Preservation of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Jazziray Hartoyo, and the Assistant Deputy for Literacy, Innovation and Creativity, Molly Prabawaty; Director of Special Interest Tourism, Kemenparekraf, Alexander Reyaan; Head of the Culture Service of West Sumatra Province, Syaifullah; as well as representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, and Chair II of the Indonesian Museum Association, Yiyok Herlambang.

Socio-Cultural Diversity Becomes a Doorway From Disruptions Due to Disruption

Over the past two decades, the political and socio-economic conditions in many countries including Southeast Asia have undergone dramatic changes that have affected people’s lives. Not only political crises and social conflicts, and the gigantic effects of digital developments, but also the tremendous impact of climate change and pandemics.

These changes are also triggered by the impact of digital transformation and amplified by ongoing global trends, such as demographic changes, rapid urbanization, increased international migration, and a strong dependence on digital technology.

According to the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy, social and cultural resilience in Southeast Asia is needed to identify problems and find solutions, especially in overcoming crises that have occurred in many places.

Southeast Asia is a rich and densely populated region and consists of many social and cultural variations.

ASEAN countries are home to a wide range of social and ethnic and religious groups.

Socio-cultural diversity along with the wealth of natural resources and its people are potential assets to get out of the difficulties that occur due to disruption.

“With experiences from various countries, this region provides many examples of how countries and people with such characteristics can overcome these situations and vulnerabilities by relying on their assets and building their resilience,” said Muhadjir when he was a Keynote Speaker at the 4th SEASIA activity.

(Southeast Asian Studies in Asia) Biennial Conference 2022 at Hotel Le Meridien Jakarta, Thursday (9/6).

Southeast Asia’s success in overcoming adversity has no doubt been greatly influenced by their social and cultural resilience.

Government efforts at all levels to increase awareness of the virus and the community being vaccinated, for example, are widely supported by the role of social and cultural aspects.

“Moreover, the atmosphere in Southeast Asia is generated from the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and religions in the region. Therefore, humans and their culture are closely related or play an important role in the sustainability of society,” he added.

Culture is the root and one of the important elements for building social bonds and resilience, including in minimizing social conflicts that have the potential to hinder the achievement of progress. In Southeast Asian countries, both individuals and communities with their ties and communities have worked hard to overcome challenges and avoid worse pitfalls, thereby building resilience.

Many examples have shown that the resilience that is formed from society, even from a diverse society, is essential for dealing with development, transformation, and adaptation to new circumstances.

Therefore, instead of scapegoating diversity and highlighting weak communities as obstacles to achieving improvements, focusing more on diversity and inclusiveness of society will be much more important and beneficial in future development.

It is time to change the perspective and paradigm more to the aspect of ‘humans’ and society.

“I hope that there will be more opportunities, such as this SEASIA conference that can be used as a positive opportunity, not only to share knowledge and experiences but also to learn better strategies that will contribute to improvement in Southeast Asia,” he concluded.

Also attending the event, the Head of BRIN, Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, Mendikbudristekdikti Nadiem Makarim, Head of the Foreign Policy Strategy Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Yayan GH Mulyana, Leiden Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Sociology Prof. Bart Barendregt, Chairman of the SEASIA Consortium Prof. Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao, and the Organizing Committee of the 4′ SEASIA Biennial Conference 2022 Dr. Yanu Endar Prasetyo.