Jadi Kon Musem Sejarah Indonesia, Menbud Fadli Zon Inaugurate Museum PDRI Di Hari Bela Negara

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, inaugurated the Emergency Government Museum of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) in Koto Tinggi, Limapuluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, on December 19, 2024, to coincide with the commemoration of State Defense Day. This inauguration is an important moment to remember PDRI's struggle to defend Indonesia's independence.

"I am very confident that this PDRI museum will become one of the icons of the historical museum in Indonesia, because it is present in the midst of a strong spirit in defending the country," said Fadli in his reflection when inaugurating as quoted in a written statement on Friday, December 20. Moreover, the PDRI Museum presents a narrative of PDRI's struggle which is so important in maintaining the existence of the Republic of Indonesia.

The construction of the PDRI Museum began in 2012, through a long and challenging process. The original idea came from the construction of the National Defense Monument, which was initiated by West Sumatra figures. 50 hectares of land in Koto Tinggi was granted by the local community as a form of support for this project.

After physical construction was completed in 2019, the performance work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Only in 2024, this museum is finally ready to be inaugurated, with a narrative that includes the Proclamation of Independence until the formation of the Republic of Indonesia in 1950.

Koto Tinggi was chosen because he was one of the important locations for PDRI's struggle when Yogyakarta fell to the Dutch on December 19, 1948. At that time, President Soekarno and Vice President Hatta gave a mandate to Sjafruddin Prawiranegara to form PDRI. Through radio broadcasts from Sumatra, PDRI succeeded in proving that the Republic of Indonesia still exists, becoming the basis for diplomacy that led to the Round Table Conference and recognition of Indonesia's sovereignty.

The Emergency Government Museum of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) in Koto Tinggi, Limapuluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra (Doc. Kemenbud)

Fadli Zon emphasized that the PDRI Museum is not only a symbol of history, but also a center for education and tourist destinations. This museum is proof of the spirit of defending the country that can inspire future generations. Apart from being a place to learn history, this museum can be used for cultural activities that support local economic growth," said Fadli.

Fadli also appreciated the people of Koto Tinggi who supported the development of this museum area. He is committed to reviving the Directorate of History at the Ministry of Culture, in order to strengthen the joint narrative and collective memory of the nation in the globalization era.

In this inauguration, Fadli reminded an important event on December 19, 1948, when the Dutch claimed that Indonesia had collapsed. However, through PDRI, the resistance continued, showing that Indonesia still exists. PDRI's struggle complements the important historical stage of the nation in defending independence," he said.

The event was attended by the Governor of West Sumatra, the Regent of Limapuluh Kota, the Mayor of Padang, representatives of the ministry, the family of Sjafruddin Prawiranegara, the traditional stakeholders, and the general public.

"The PDRI museum is a symbol of the spirit of defending the country that will continue to live in every generation," concluded Fadli Zon.