RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture is preparing to establish three new thematic museums by revitalizing historic state-owned buildings in Jakarta, Bandung, and Semarang. The initiative is designed to strengthen the country’s museum ecosystem while preserving heritage buildings through adaptive reuse.

The plan was discussed during a focus group meeting led by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon with representatives of state-owned insurance companies PT Jasa Raharja and PT Asuransi Jiwasraya at the Ministry of Culture in Jakarta, Monday, 13 July 2026. The revitalization project is being developed in collaboration with Indonesia’s sovereign investment agency, BPI Danantara.

The project includes transforming a former Jasa Raharja building in Jakarta’s Old Town into the Indonesian Film Museum, a former Jiwasraya building on Asia Afrika Street in Bandung into the Indonesian Music Museum, and a heritage building in Semarang’s Old Town into the Indonesian Photography Museum. The ministry said the initiative aims to create cultural spaces that are educational, interactive, and accessible to the public.

Fadli Zon said Indonesia currently has 516 museums, but none are dedicated specifically to film, music, or photography. “We want to establish thematic museums that not only preserve collections but also serve as vibrant cultural and educational spaces for the public,” he said.

According to the minister, the Film Museum will showcase the history of Indonesian cinema, featuring production equipment, archival materials, and the evolution of filmmaking technology. Its development will draw inspiration from internationally recognized institutions, including the Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam and film museums in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, the Music Museum in Bandung will highlight the history of Indonesian music, including Bandung’s role as one of the country’s leading centers for musical creativity. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum will feature temporary exhibitions, interactive spaces where visitors can experience musical instruments, and performance venues.

The Photography Museum in Semarang will present the evolution of photography in Indonesia, from the establishment of the first photography studio in Batavia to contemporary photographic practices. It will also host permanent and temporary exhibitions highlighting the history of Semarang and Central Java.

The initiative received support from BPI Danantara and cultural figures, who said revitalizing historic state assets into museums would strengthen cultural tourism while preserving national heritage. Fadli affirmed that the project will reuse existing historic buildings rather than construct new ones, saying, “We are not only preserving the past, but also building a bridge to the future. Museums should inspire future generations while safeguarding our cultural heritage.”