NTB Village Museums Preserve Artifacts and Boost Economy

RRI.CO.ID, Mataram - The establishment of village-level museums in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) marks a significant step toward salvaging historical artifacts currently scattered across local communities. Beyond their role as preservation hubs, these village museums are now projected to become new engines for the local creative economy.

The Cultural Division of the East Lombok Education and Culture Agency, Abdul Hayyi, expressed his appreciation for the NTB Museum’s initiative in forming these grassroots institutions. He noted that many collections of high historical value remain poorly maintained as they are privately kept by residents.

“Many objects of historical significance are still scattered among the public. With the presence of village museums, these items can be properly stored and curated,” explained Abdul Hayyi.

Meanwhile, the Head of the NTB Museum, Ahmad Nuralam, emphasized that the existence of museums in villages, such as in Pijot Village, will unlock economic opportunities for local residents.

Village museums are expected to serve as creative spaces for the younger generation to work and safeguard ancestral heritage. More than just a destination, these museums aim to be the driving force for cultural legacy, ensuring that history and traditions remain vibrant.

“We are confident that village museums will support quality tourism in the future,” he said on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

This initiative aligns with the government’s agenda to promote culture-based tourism as a regional hallmark. With professional management, village museums are believed to be capable of fostering high-quality tourism and providing direct financial impact to rural communities through the creative economy sector. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)