Maritime Museum; A Glimpse of Indonesia’s Rich Maritime Heritage

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A land of islands dependant on the ocean in many ways, Indonesia has a rich and ancient maritime heritage. The Maritime Museum situated in Pasar Ikan, North Jakarta, is an ideal portal for gaining a comprehensive view of the region’s maritime culture and traditional technology. The museum was commenced in 1977 with the aim of conserving and exhibiting the wealth of the local maritime heritage and fisheries industry.

The museum houses a large collection of over 1800 boats along with their different equipment and trimmings from various parts of Indonesia. Among these traditional vessels are the Jukung, Lancang Kuning, Kora-Kora, Cadik Karere types of boats as well as the renowned Phinisi schooners which constitute one of the world’s last sailing fleets in use. Navigational equipment, canons and a variety of other naval objects can be viewed at the museum. Also on display are models of ships ranging from the 19^th century to the present. 

The building that houses the Maritime Museum is also of great historical interest. Its construction was commenced in 1652 by the Dutch East-India Company also known as VOC rendering it an architectural attraction. The principally wooden building is marked by large windows enabling considerable air circulation. It was used as a warehouse for storing spices by the VOC before being shipped to European markets. During the Japanese occupation in 1942 the building functioned as a weapons store and a centre for war-time logistics.

The Syahbandar Tower, VOC dockyard and Sunda Kelapa Harbor are some of the other attractions located near the museum making a visit to it an enriching and educative experience. A stay at a centrally located Jakarta hotel will enable visitors to enjoy the myriad attractions of the historic, coastal region. A luxurious hotel in Jakarta, Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta ensures its guests a truly memorable experience of Indonesian hospitality.