JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture is preparing to revitalize the historic Wahid Hasyim house in the Matraman area, Jakarta. The project not only touches the building, but will also strengthen the collection, exhibition space, and Wahid family history.
The plan was discussed by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon together with the Director of the Wahid Institute Yenny Wahid at the Ministry of Culture's office, Jakarta, Thursday, July 23.
Wahid Hasyim's house, which is now used as the Wahid Foundation's office, is a cultural heritage building. Therefore, the revitalization process must maintain the authenticity of the building and follow the principles of preservation.
"The important thing is not just physical renovation, the content and narrative must also be strong," said Fadli.
According to Fadli, museums are not enough to just present old buildings. Visitors also need to understand the journey of the figures and events related to the place.
The Ministry of Culture stated that it was ready to help in the preparation of the curatorial concept, storyline, arrangement of exhibition space, and the development of a narrative about Wahid Hasyim and the fourth President of the Republic of Indonesia Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur.
The discussion also includes the development of Matraman as a historical area. In addition to Wahid Hasyim's house, the area has a number of buildings related to national figures and important events at the beginning of independence.
One of them is the house of the Margono Djojohadikusumo family which is said to have been the initial location for the formation of the People's Security Agency or BKR.
Fadli assessed that a number of historical sites in Matraman can be strung together in one story line. With this pattern, the public not only visits one building, but also understands the relationship between characters and events in the area.
The meeting also discussed the strengthening of the Indonesian Islamic Museum Hasyim Asy'ari in Tebuireng, Jombang, East Java.
The museum's narrative will be improved so that the journey of Kiai Hasyim Asy'ari, the establishment of Nahdlatul Ulama, the Jihad Resolution, the development of NU, until the era of Gus Dur is presented more clearly and smoothly.
The revitalization plan is still in the concept discussion stage. The Ministry has not detailed the work schedule, budget needs, and the time to reopen the Wahid Hasyim house for the public.
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