Museums are often perceived as quiet places that house artefacts from the past. However, the Indonesian Museum Documentation Project, also known as Koleksi Kita ("Our Collection"), offers a different perspective.
Officially launched on July 17, 2024, at the National Museum of Indonesia, this project marks a significant milestone in the transformation of cultural heritage management in the country.
The initiative is spearheaded by Yayasan Jalin Narasi Budaya, part of the Southeast Asia Museum Services (SEAMS), and is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
The program runs from 2024 to 2026 and involves the National Museum and 11 other museums managed by the Jakarta Provincial Office of Culture.
Why Documentation Matters
One of the main challenges faced by Indonesian museums is the lack of systematic documentation of their collections. Many artifacts remain uncatalogued, undigitized, and vulnerable to damage due to the tropical climate or frequent natural disasters in the region. As a result, many valuable objects lose their traceable origins when damaged or lost.
Proper documentation is not only crucial for preservation, but also for enabling public access to the nation's own history and cultural identity. Unfortunately, many museums in Indonesia still lack adequate documentation standards or supporting technological infrastructure.
What Does the “Koleksi Kita” Project Involve?
The Koleksi Kita project is divided into two main components. The first focuses on the National Museum of Indonesia, where documentation will be carried out on high-value collections.
This work includes developing new standard operating procedures for documentation, conducting in-depth research on the collections, publishing a museum catalogue, and creating a digital exhibition accessible to the public through platforms such as Google Arts & Culture.
The second component involves 11 museums across Jakarta, which will collectively document more than 1,200 collection objects and conduct provenance research on 60 colonial-era artifacts. These collections will undergo curatorial review, using an approach that considers their historical context and cultural value.
Beyond documentation, the project also aims to build the capacity of museum professionals—especially the younger generation—through a series of workshops, seminars, technical training sessions, and the launch of the Jakarta Digital Collections platform. This public website will present Jakarta’s collections and historical narratives in an engaging and easily accessible way.
Cultural Collaboration and Long-Term Vision
Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha emphasized the importance of museum documentation as a reflection of Indonesia’s cultural identity. According to him, museums, galleries, and cultural festivals must serve as the front line in showcasing the nation's identity. He expressed appreciation for this project, calling it a strategic step in safeguarding national heritage.
Echoing that sentiment, Linda Enriany of the Jakarta Provincial Office of Culture described the project as an important collaborative moment that unites Jakarta’s museums under a shared documentation framework—aligned with preparations for Jakarta’s 500th anniversary celebration.
From the U.S. Embassy, Peter M. Haymond stated that this project serves as a means of bringing best practices in museum documentation from the United States to Indonesia, while also expanding public access to the country’s rich cultural collections.
Globally, the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) has supported the preservation of cultural heritage in more than 100 countries, including historic buildings, archaeological sites, visual art, manuscripts, local languages, and traditional cultural expressions. In Indonesia, AFCP has previously supported the preservation of regional languages and culinary traditions from across the archipelago.
