A heritage collection at the National Museum of Indonesia gives a fascinating insight into the past.

Wayang Potehi - a traditional Chinese performing art that uses sarong puppets is shown at National Museum of Indonesia. — Wayang Potehi – a traditional Chinese performing art that uses *sarong* puppets.

The impact of Chinese culture on Indonesian history is showcased in an immersive exhibition at The National Museum of Indonesia. ‘KONGSI: Acculturation of Chinese in the Archipelago’, is an exhibition of 347 historical artifacts that explores the deep historical and cultural ties between the Chinese and local communities in Indonesia.

The term kongsi comes from the Hokkien for “cooperation”, a fitting name for this showcase of cultural influences that have shaped Indonesia’s rich heritage. Through carefully curated artifacts and narratives, the exhibition highlights the influences of the Chinese community in the archipelago.

Divided into three thematic sections, this exhibition, which runs until April, takes visitors on a journey through time from the early arrival of Chinese settlers to their contribution to Indonesian culture through politics, architecture, food, fashion and art.

The section 'Trying Fate and Paving the Way to Independence' discusses the contribution of the Chinese community to the struggle for independence. — ‘Trying Fate and Paving the Way to Independence’ discusses socio-political dynamics of the Chinese community in Indonesia.

Among the highlights of the exhibition are rare historical artifacts, including books from prolific publisher Tan Khoen Swie which include Sin Po magazine’s first publication of the words to Indonesia Raya back in 1928 – and the first recorded keroncong version of the Indonesian national anthem. A must-see is a room dedicated to the paintings of Lee Man Fong, a celebrated artist favored by Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno.

This exhibition is part of the Indonesian Heritage Agency’s ongoing efforts to make museums more inclusive and engaging. Until the end of March, the National Museum will also host an exhibition focused on the history of Islamic civilization, in celebration of Ramadan.

KONGSI runs until April, at the National Museum of Indonesia. Visitors can enter by purchasing a museum ticket, priced at IDR 15,000 (US$0.92) for children (ages 3–12), IDR 25,000 (US$1.53) for adults, and IDR 50,000 (US$3.05) for foreign visitors.

A Celebration of Chinese Culture in Indonesia

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