Source: Indonesian National Museum

Museums, as institutions, not only serve to protect and develop historical collections, but also provide spaces for education and the arts to flourish as part of a nation’s identity. This role is highlighted through the commemoration of National Museum Day, observed annually on October 12.

National Museum Day was established following a proposal by Nunus Supardi, a cultural heritage expert, cultural figure, museologist, and observer of the Cultural Congress, referring to the first Indonesian Museum Conference (MMI), held in Yogyakarta on October 12–14, 1962.

Like museums, universities as educational institutions also have a responsibility to facilitate the diversity of Indonesia’s national culture. Untar’s commitment to reflecting cultural innovation can be seen academically through research, study programs focused on preservation, and exhibitions featuring traditional motifs, as well as through non-academic activities such as the Citra Pesona Student Activity Unit (UKM), which provides students with opportunities to develop their traditional dance skills and contribute to the preservation of traditional attire.

Through the commemoration of National Museum Day, students are expected to develop greater awareness and appreciation of museums across Indonesia, foster pride in and appreciation for the nation’s cultural heritage, contribute to its preservation, and deepen their understanding of the nation’s identity and character. (CJ/YS)

This article was compiled from various sources.