TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian National Museum Day, commemorated today, Sunday, October 12, 2025, is the perfect moment to rediscover Indonesia’s rich cultural and historical heritage through its museums.
In Jakarta, the nation’s cultural and administrative hub, visitors can explore a range of museums, from archaeological treasures to contemporary art spaces, each offering a unique window into Indonesia’s past and present. Here are three must-visit museums to celebrate the day.
1. National Museum of Indonesia
Founded in 1778 by the Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen (Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences), the National Museum stands as one of the oldest cultural institutions in Southeast Asia.
Originally built to advance research in art and science, the museum first opened to the public in 1868 on Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat.
Known affectionately as the “Elephant Museum” for the bronze elephant statue gifted by the King of Thailand, it was renamed the Indonesian Cultural Institute in 1950 and officially became the National Museum in 1979.
Today, it remains a proud symbol of Indonesia’s enduring cultural identity.
The museum is easily accessible via Transjakarta, with the Monas stop right in front, or by KRL Commuter Line through Juanda or Tanah Abang Stations.
Visitors using the MRT can stop at Bundaran HI Station and continue by bus to Monas.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 08:00 AM–04:00 PM; Friday–Sunday, 08:00 AM–08:00 PM.
Admission: Rp15,000 (children), Rp25,000 (adults), Rp50,000 (foreign visitors)
2. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (MACAN)
Jakarta’s Museum MACAN has become a landmark for art lovers, showcasing both Indonesian and international modern and contemporary works. Spanning 5,000 square meters, the museum functions not only as an exhibition space but also as a hub for education, conservation, and cultural exchange.
The museum was founded by businessman and collector Haryanto Adikoesoemo, whose collection of over 800 artworks spans 25 years, and is now chaired by his daughter, Fanessa Adikoesoemo.
Located near the Kebon Jeruk Transjakarta stop, the museum is also accessible from Kebayoran Lama and Pesing KRL stations.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Admission: Weekdays – Rp70,000 (adults), Rp60,000 (students/seniors), Rp50,000 (children 3–12). Weekends – Rp90,000 (adults), Rp80,000 (students/seniors), Rp70,000 (children).
Children under 3 enter for free.
Note: The MACAN Museum is temporarily closed for exhibition preparations and will reopen on November 29, 2025.
3. Wayang Museum
Nestled in the heart of Jakarta’s Old Town (Kota Tua), the Wayang Museum celebrates Indonesia’s traditional puppetry heritage, displaying an extensive collection of wayang from across the archipelago and beyond, including Malaysia, Thailand, and India.
Housed in a Neo-Renaissance building with a rich colonial past, the museum’s site was once home to two historic churches before being transformed into the Old Batavia Museum in 1939. It was later renamed the Wayang Museum in 1975 by Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin.
Visitors can enjoy live wayang performances accompanied by traditional gamelan music and classic Nusantara stories.
The museum is within walking distance from the Jakarta Kota Transjakarta stop and KRL Commuter Line station.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Admission: Rp5,000 (adults), Rp3,000 (students), Rp2,000 (children).
Group discounts are available for 30 visitors or more.
Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply looking for a weekend cultural escape, Jakarta’s museums offer something for everyone, preserving the spirit of Indonesia’s heritage while connecting generations through stories, artifacts, and creativity.
Annisa Nur Alimah contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: The 10 Most Visited Museums in the World, France's Louvre on Top
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
