Angklung melodies, traditional textiles and conversations in several languages filled the National Museum of Indonesia on September 17 as the Indonesian Heritage Society welcomed newcomers and longtime members through its annual Selamat Datang gathering. More than an orientation, the event presented heritage as a meeting point for Indonesians, expatriates and diplomatic communities.
A Welcome Rooted in Solidarity
Held at the museum’s auditorium, Selamat Datang 2026 introduced guests to IHS programs, volunteer opportunities and multilingual cultural activities. Foreign residents and embassy representatives were among those attending.
This year’s theme highlighted East Nusa Tenggara and its cultural traditions. In her opening remarks, IHS President Christine Kristiati explained the meaning behind the choice.
“This theme was chosen as an expression of sympathy and solidarity with the people of East Nusa Tenggara. This morning, we unite our hearts with theirs and honor their strength and culture by placing their stories at the center of our celebration,” Kristiati said.
The morning opened with the Arumba Study Group from Saung Angklung Udjo in Bandung performing Gemu Fa Mi Re and Tabola Bale. Musicians from Indonesia and other countries demonstrated how traditional instruments can create an immediate connection across cultures.
Guests were encouraged to wear Indonesian fabrics or clothing representing their own heritage. Batik, ulos and international textiles became conversation starters about craftsmanship, identity and shared traditions. Food reinforced the sense of welcome, with nasi kucing, filled lontong and East Nusa Tenggara corn soup among the dishes served.
The atmosphere reflected gotong royong, Indonesia’s tradition of mutual cooperation. Participants were welcomed not only as spectators but also as prospective volunteers, learners and cultural contributors.
From 17 Volunteers to a Global Community
IHS began in 1970 when Mrs. Zainal Abidin and Mrs. Reidun Loose assembled 17 volunteers to support the National Museum. Known as the Ganesha Volunteers, they assisted with translation and the cataloguing of ceramic, stone and bronze collections.
The organization became a formal foundation in 1995 and has since grown into a community representing more than 30 countries. By 2018, it had more than 600 members.
Its purpose, former president Isla Winarto said, is “to promote an understanding and appreciation of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.”
That mission gives IHS its distinctive international character. Indonesian members contribute local knowledge, while members from overseas bring additional languages and perspectives. Many later return home as informal cultural ambassadors for Indonesia.
A Museum as Common Ground
Holding Selamat Datang at the National Museum returned IHS to the institution where its work began. Their partnership has supported multilingual tours, school programs, guidebooks, translated exhibition materials and collection documentation.
The museum traces its origins to the Royal Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1778. Its historic Gedung Gajah opened in 1868, and the bronze elephant in its courtyard arrived as a royal gift from Siam in 1871.
Today, the museum preserves 194,593 cultural objects spanning Indonesia’s prehistory, classical civilizations and diverse living traditions. After a fire in September 2023, it reopened on October 15, 2024, with renewed galleries and repatriated heritage objects.
The Selamat Datang program concluded with an English-language tour led by IHS docents. Visitors explored displays on Indonesia’s historical formation, including the Keris Gajah Dompak associated with the Sisingamangaraja kingdom.
Jakarta as a Living Classroom
IHS activities extend far beyond museum galleries. Explorers groups visit overlooked cultural sites, while Evening Lectures connect audiences with researchers, artists and heritage practitioners. Rumahku sessions bring learning into members’ homes and diplomatic residences, and Coffee Morning gatherings create informal spaces for discussion.
Language sections widen participation. The French Section operates under the theme “Discover Indonesia and Connect Culture,” while the Japanese Section organizes museum tours and the Korean Section conducts outreach for school students.
Jakarta itself becomes a classroom. Kota Tua reveals the relationship between colonial architecture and contemporary urban pressures, while Sunda Kelapa connects the modern capital with centuries of maritime trade. Study groups on textiles, ceramics, archaeology and vernacular architecture encourage deeper engagement with communities across the archipelago.
Publications including The Jakarta Explorer, Museum Encounters and the Museum Nasional Guidebook extend this knowledge to readers beyond organized programs.
Curiosity as Cultural Preservation
Selamat Datang shows that heritage survives through participation as much as preservation. Every performance, museum tour and shared meal gives another person a reason to look more closely at Indonesia.
Guests may leave with a new interest in a textile, artifact, neighborhood or regional tradition. For IHS, that first spark of curiosity is where cultural preservation begins.
