The fire forced it to be temporarily shut down. At that time, the Jakarta provincial administration decided to restore the museum. Dubbed the ‘Maritime Museum Memorial Room’, this area displays the burnt remains of the objects. There are museum doors and windows that look scorched and pillars that are still solid but only with the remaining half. The memorial room also contains complete information about history and the fire tragedy, complete with steps taken to restore it.
Present day
In the course of times, the museum continues to have a special place in the heart of the public. The government has collaborated with many parties to turn the building into a fun place to visit, especially for the younger generation.
Most recently, in collaboration with Senyumuseum, it held the ‘Batavia Exposition’ was lasted for two days, from June 17-18 to trace the glorious day of city of Batavia in the form of collaborative works featuring culinary, music and fashion.
Read: Enjoy Food, Music And Fashion At The Maritime Museum Festival
One of the events, ‘City Story’, is held in collaboration with the Indonesia Hidden Heritage Creative Hub. Here, visitors can enjoy bazaar stands selling culinary products and artworks.
“By holding this creative program, we hope it can change the stigma that museums only display historical objects, but can also be used as creative public spaces and a destination,” said Indonesia Hidden Heritage Creative Hub event director Aryo Bimo. (un)