BI Former De Javasche Bank Building Turned Into A Museum

Bank Indonesia (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Bank Indonesia (BI) Representative of West Sumatra (West Sumatra) made the former De Javasche building building building during the Dutch East Indies government as a museum. The museum will educate about the history of the rupiah in Minangkabau Land.

"The West Sumatra Representative's BI decided to make the Memoranobilia Building known as Bank Indonesia Muaro a museum," said Deputy Head of the West Sumatra BI Representative Dandy Indarto Seno in Padang, Saturday.

Dandy said the historic building was completed in 1925. This means that in 2025 the museum, which is also a cultural heritage, is even 100 years old. Previously, the building was used for the workspace of bank employees.

However, since 1977 all BI Representative activities for West Sumatra Province have been moved to Jalan Sudirman or Gedung BI at this time. After that, BI Muaro is only used for certain activities.

"Starting today, this building can be used for general activities or public space," he said.

In the building, there is information about the history of the economy in West Sumatra since the Dutch East Indies Government, the history of buildings and the history of currencies that have circulated in Minang.

In addition, there were also some old items or collections that were exhibited and had been used by bank employees when BI was still based in the historic building.

"Visitors can also see firsthand large vaults that used to be used for money storage. Including monetary gold," he said.

For the initial stage, people who want to visit the museum must first send a letter to the West Sumatra Representative BI. This is because the management will limit the number of visitors, including adjusting the visit schedule.

"Entering this building is free. So if someone has registered, they can enter," he said.