When the SpaceJakarta Team visited the historic Maritime Museum in North Jakarta's Old Town on May 6, 2025, we were immediately greeted by a strong sense of the past. This old, colonial-style building was once a spice warehouse belonging to the Dutch East India Company (VOC), built in the 17th century. Its strategic location on the shores of Sunda Kelapa Harbor testifies to Jakarta's crucial role as a center of shipping and maritime trade since the colonial era.
SpaceJakarta Team Documentation at the Maritime Museum
Inside the museum, we found hundreds of valuable collections that tell the story of Indonesia's long maritime history. From replicas of Pinisi and Sandeq boats to sailing vessels from various regions across the archipelago, everything was neatly arranged and informative. Other collections, such as ancient sailing maps, traditional navigational instruments, old anchors, and ships' cannons, added to the richness of our understanding of past maritime technology and culture.
SpaceJakarta Team Documentation at the Maritime Museum
Interestingly, this museum is more than just a place to display objects. During our visit, a group of students were taking an educational tour led by museum staff. Programs like this, along with workshops and discussions on maritime history, demonstrate the Maritime Museum's active role as a public education center.
Through a visual, interactive approach and a strong historical narrative, the Maritime Museum is able to reawaken awareness among the younger generation about the importance of the sea in the nation's history. This kind of historical education is a crucial foundation for building Indonesia's identity as a maritime nation.
SpaceJakarta Team Documentation at the Maritime Museum
For us at SpaceJakarta, this visit was not just a report but a firsthand experience that enriched our understanding of the importance of preserving history and the sea as both our heritage and the future of the nation.
Written by: Noverdy R
