Many Historic Replica Of Objects Damaged By Fire At The National Museum

One of the corner of the building at the National Museum that caught fire/ Photo: Rizky Sulistio/ VOI

JAKARTA - The National Museum of Indonesia (MNI) is currently focusing on securing historical objects following the fire that engulfed buildings A and C at the complex on Saturday night, September 16.

"Some of the affected collections are replicas, such as in prehistoric areas. The rest are confirmed to be safe. We are intensively continuing to measure the impact and follow-up plans," said Acting (Plt.) Head of the Public Service Agency for Museums and Cultural Conservation (BLU MCB) Ahmad Mahendra in his statement, Sunday, September 17.

Mahendra said the situation in the museum complex was under control thanks to a quick response between the fire fighting team, the police, and MNI. The fire was extinguished on Saturday at 22:40 WIB

Six rooms in Building A were affected, while 15 other rooms in building A as well as rooms showing off buildings B and C were not affected at all. The fire did not spread.

"The collection of repatriation results from the Netherlands is confirmed not to be affected because it is stored in a location far from the fire center," he added.

Mahendra said as previously the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek) Nadiem Anwar Makarim had given a press statement from the location of the fire that there were no casualties in this incident and the main priority of the current BLU MCB is to identify and repair the affected museum rooms and ensure the safety of historical objects.

"We will work hard to ensure that the museum returns to its best condition as soon as possible," Mahendra explained.

As an additional precautionary measure, the MNI will temporarily close until further notice.

Further information about the ticket that has been purchased by the public, Mahendra explained that this is a force majeur situation.

"Due to this state of concern, the tickets that have been purchased will be returned. Further information regarding the refund process will be submitted as soon as we have clearer guidance," Mahendra explained.

BLU MCB asks for understanding from the public for the steps we take. The goal is to ensure the safety and security of visitors," he said.

In accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Education and Technology on Saturday night (17/9), the BLU MCB has formed a special team responsible for caring for and securing historical and cultural objects affected by the fire.

"Investigations continue to be carried out to determine the exact cause of this fire. We are committed to continuing to share findings of investigations with the public in line with its development," said Mahendra.