Exhibition and Laying Down in Stovia held at the National Awakening Museum

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The historic corridors where Indonesia’s national consciousness was first forged are being transformed into an immersive cultural hub, bridging ancestral legacy with modern engagement for National Awakening Day 2026.

The Kebangkitan Nasional Museum (National Awakening Museum) in Central Jakarta has unveiled a multifaceted commemorative program to make history deeply personal for contemporary audiences. This initiative is brought to life through a creative blend of scientific art exhibitions, rare weaponry displays, and innovative audio storytelling.

At the heart of this year’s commemoration is the temporary exhibition SciArt 8.0, which runs from Wednesday, May 20, through May 30, 2026. The showcase features 80 detailed portraits of prominent intellectuals by artist Paul Hendro, serving as a visual tribute to the scholars and scientists whose intellectual contributions fueled the nation's early development and awakening.

Alongside this artistic tribute, the museum is unveiling a sweeping historical display of 165 antique cannons collected by Joseph L. Spartz, a Luxembourgian philanthropist who has long resided in Indonesia.

The Head of the Museum and Cultural Heritage (MCB), Indira Estiyanti Nurjadin, confirmed that Spartz’s extensive cannon collection is being formally donated to the MCB so that it can be permanently preserved and shared with the public.

Beyond these traditional exhibitions, the museum is breaking new ground in historical storytelling with its interactive Rebahan di Stovia (Lying Down in Stovia) program. Housed within the former dormitory of the School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen (Stovia), the indigenous medical school where the pioneering organization Boedi Oetomo was founded on May 20, 1908, the initiative invites visitors to physically recline on the dormitory beds.

Once settled, specialized audio devices broadcast intimate narratives detailing the daily lives, struggles, and aspirations of the early medical students who once inhabited the space. By restructuring the museum experience, officials aim to emphasize that historical sites should function as dynamic public spaces rather than static monuments.

Indira emphasized that the museum serves as a vital anchor for the nation's collective memory. Through this role, the institution aims to transform old historical milestones into active inspirations for future progress.

"We hope to contribute to fostering a spirit of unity and progress. All of the programs we've put together aim to ensure the values of national awakening remain alive and relevant to the current generation," said Esti, as quoted by Antara.

She emphasized her hope that these curated events will actively foster unity and help the current generation find contemporary relevance in the spirit of national awakening.

Members of the public looking to experience these interactive programs and exhibitions can visit the National Awakening Museum from Tuesday through Sunday, at 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jakarta time. Access to the historic grounds remains highly affordable, with admission tickets priced at IDR 5,000 (USD 0.31) for adult domestic visitors, IDR 3,000 (USD 0.19) for children aged 3 to 12, and IDR 25,000 (USD 1.56) for international tourists. ***