RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture is preparing a strategic initiative to optimize a historic state-owned asset belonging to state insurance firm PT Jasa Raharja (Persero) in Semarang's Old Town (Kota Lama), mapping out a comprehensive revitalization plan to transform the building into Indonesia's first dedicated Photography Museum.

The initiative was discussed during a focus group discussion presided over by Culture Minister Fadli Zon, alongside representatives from PT Jasa Raharja, PT Asuransi Jiwasraya, and various heritage stakeholders at the Ministry of Culture office in Senayan, Jakarta.

In an official statement confirmed on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Minister Fadli Zon emphasized that establishing three specialized museums is a strategic step to enrich Indonesia's museum ecosystem and provide highly interactive cultural spaces for the public.

"Out of the 516 registered museums in Indonesia, there is currently no Film Museum, Music Museum, or Photography Museum. Because of this, we want to introduce thematic museums that do not merely store archives, but also serve as vibrant spaces for culture and education," Fadli Zon explained, as quoted by Antara.

For the upcoming Photography Museum in Semarang, the government is designing a concept that traces the historical timeline of Indonesian photography. The curation will span from the establishment of the very first photography studio in Batavia to modern, digital-era visual arts. Additionally, the museum will host both permanent and temporary exhibitions focusing on the localized histories of Semarang and Central Java.

Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo elaborated on the developmental roadmap for the three upcoming thematic museums, which will all utilize existing heritage buildings across different regions.

“The concept focuses on building museums that serve as educational, interactive, and highly relevant cultural spaces for the community,” Giring said.

The government's broader roadmap includes transforming a former Jasa Raharja insurance building in Jakarta's Old Town (Kota Tua) into the national Film Museum, while a former Jiwasraya building on Jalan Asia Afrika in Bandung will be repurposed into the national Music Museum.

Senior Director of Strategy and Transformation at Danantara, Rezki M. Djohan, voiced strong institutional backing for the revitalization of these state assets. He noted that repurposing historical buildings into museums boosts asset value and drives heritage tourism through inter-state-owned enterprise (BUMN) collaboration.

“Danantara is ready to support the asset conversion process through close collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. This revitalization initiative for the three thematic museums has also received widespread support from cultural practitioners and artists,” Rezki remarked.

The Culture Minister reinforced that the development of all three museums will rely strictly on the adaptive reuse of existing historic structures rather than constructing new facilities. This architectural approach not only optimizes state-owned property but also preserves the structural integrity and historical character of the heritage buildings.

"We do not only want to care for the past, but also take a step toward the future. Museums must serve as a bridge and a new source of inspiration for future generations," the Minister concluded. ***