Indonesian museums don't have enough money

While it’s probably true that all museums could use a little extra money to run, it’s probably not as dire as the museum scene in Indonesia, where the museums in Jakarta are facing serious problems in their administration, from poor displays to the inability to hold public programmes and even basic security.

photo credit: DMahendra

Funding problems harm museums
Jakarta Post, 18 May 2009

Strolling around the National Museum in Central Jakarta, arguably the most complete ethnographical and archeological collection in the country, visitors notice that objects are not well displayed; antique statues are uncovered and English translations are poor.

On the fourth floor of the new wing, a huge translation in an expensive golden brown frame explains about the museums ceramics, in very poor English.

A visitor commented on the translation: “it’s embarrassing to have this sort of writing displayed in public.”

Responding to this complaint, the museum’s spokesperson Oting Rudy Hidayat said, “the museum curators gave explanations for each object. However, they had so many things to do in addition to the translations.”

As it is administered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Museum offers various programs over the year, including art performances, seminars, competitions, and exhibitions.

However, these programs are poorly promoted.