IO, Jakarta – History is a part of the story of human life from time to time that tells what happened in the past based on the discoveries of ancient artifacts that are relics of the past. Every phase of human life always leaves history. The museum is one of those places where the stories of the past are united in a diorama and its collections so that the stories become alive and can be understood by later generations in depth and detail.
The museum itself is a place where the collection of relics – the relics of the past where people can visit to learn and travel history by remembering the past in their hearts and minds. TNI is an extension of the Indonesian National Army which is one of the historical actors in Indonesia where they live and grow together with the people of Indonesia.
TNI itself is the forefront in creating an atmosphere of independence of the Indonesian state that can be enjoyed by the Indonesian people to this day. With the struggle and spirit of patriotism they have, they are able to expel the invaders and other interference out.
Museum Satria Mandala is a museum that tells how the greatness of the soldiers owned by the nation of Indonesia as one of the great nations that exist in the world. This museum provides a variety of collections and dioramas that tell how the spirit of patriotism and nationalism owned by the TNI.
Broadly speaking, Museum Satria Mandala is the place to keep million memories and histories that have been carved by TNI from time to time. Museum Satria Mandala was officially established in 1972 which at that time was inaugurated by President Soeharto who was the second the president of the Republic of Indonesia.
This museum was established to introduce the spirit of patriotism and deep nationalism for the entire peoples of Indonesia. The various military facilities used by the TNI were displayed to the public where the courage of the military servants from time to time has always been an idol for every Indonesian nation. Collections which can be found in this museum include a collection of mines, helicopters, aircraft, miniature of warships, torpedoes, tanks, cannons and missiles depicting every heroic action of the soldiers in maintaining the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
TNI’s attributes in the form of banners and emblems in TNI are exhibited to the public in this museum. In the museum complex was also found diorama of the soldiers who managed to quell interference from the inside like DI-TII rebellion, Ratu Adil Army, and G-30-S-PKI which had once undermined the Indonesian independence with various kinds of terrors and rebellions.
Combat equipment such as guided missiles used by soldiers in battles are displayed so fantastically. Airplanes, helicopters, and tank vehicles also look gorgeous where as if visitors will be amazed by the charm of this collection of military equipment. So complete the collections from the Army, Air Force, and Navy – all parts of the TNI- are, to be ready to keep the motherland are exhibited in this Satria Mandala Museum.
We can learn how great the spirit of patriotism and nationalism are embedded in every collection in this museum. Museum that is able to educate its people to have a love attitude of the homeland and has a courageous attitude against the enemies of his country.
Heritage items such as used tables to photographs are neatly arranged. Oerip Soemohardjo was a General and the first Indonesian Army Chief of general Staff during the revolution. Then proceed with the relics of General Sudirman who is the first army commander who plays a major role on the integrity of NKRI.
One of General Sudirman’s most interesting retreats was the General Sudirman Stalker which was used to lead the guerrilla war of 1948-1949 against the 2nd Dutch Military Aggression. In addition, Sudirman struggle photographs are complete to adorn the walls of the room.
In addition to the stretcher, visitors can also see the relics of General Sudirman’s material neatly behind the glass cabinet. Starting from the map of the situation of guerrilla routes, duplicate coats, desk furniture and a desk which is furnished with chairs. Located not far from the General Sudirman room, a space presents some of the personal heritage of General AH Nasution. From books to his former uniforms are neatly arranged behind a glass cabinet.
In addition to General Nasution, the legacies of General HM Soeharto are also enliven on the other corner of the room. Starting from books to complete photos of Suharto adorn the room. As one of the highest honors, General Sudirman, General Soeharto and General Nasution received the honorary rank of the Great General (five stars) awarded on 5 October 1997.
However, it is quite unfortunate that the museum which is supposed to keep the historic items is a very old building which suffers a lot of damage in every corner of it. Like a hollow ceiling and also air conditioning facilities which are not working and look damaged.
(Muhammad Akbar)