Yogyakarta Monument Museum is Back to Life, Minister of Culture and Tourism Encourages Museums to Become Public Spaces

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon at the Museum of Monuments in Yogyakarta. (IST)

YOGYAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture has revived the Yogya Monument Museum Back as a public and cultural space in Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, Wednesday (17/12). This step confirms that the museum is no longer just a display room, but an active, open, and relevant space for the community.

The activity, which carries the theme of Reflection of 77 Years of Dutch Military Aggression II, was carried out to strengthen the function of the Yogyakarta Monument Museum as a center for historical education as well as a cultural activity space.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that this monument records the important event of December 19, 1948 which triggered the birth of the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia, which was later commemorated as National Day.

"This museum was born from a big event. The museum must live and function," said Fadli.

According to him, reviving the museum as a public space also opens up opportunities for creative economy. This opportunity can grow through the involvement of artists, musicians, and cultural communities in Yogyakarta.

"Museum Monument Yogya has great potential as a space for historical education and cultural space," he said.

Fadli emphasized that the Ministry of Culture opened a space for collaboration with other ministries, local governments, the private sector, and the community to utilize museums as active public spaces.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Yogya Back Monument Museum, Yudi Pranowo, hopes that this step can increase public interest in visiting and expanding the use of museums by various communities.

The Museum of Monuments in Yogyakarta again recorded the events of the General Attack on March 1, 1949 as well as the role of Yogyakarta as the Capital of the Republic of Indonesia during the independence struggle.

A number of officials were also present at this activity, including Special Staff to the Minister Rachmanda Primayuda, Director of Cultural Facilities and Infrastructure Ferry Arlius, and Head of the Regional Cultural Preservation Office X Manggar Sari Ayuati.

Closing the activity, Fadli emphasized that museums have an important role in instilling historical awareness to the younger generation.

"Independence is not a gift. It was born from struggle and sacrifice," he said.