Museum Kota Bandung: Reliving the City's Colonial-Era History

RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - West Java's capital is home to Museum Kota Bandung or Bandung City Museum, a heritage site preserving the city's past. It stands as both a tourist destination and an educational center on Bandung's history.

The museum carries a guiding message rooted in Indonesia's first president. Sukarno's famous phrase "Jasmerah," meaning never forget history, anchors its entire concept.

Bandung Mayor Oded M. Danial officially inaugurated the museum on October 31, 2018. Since then, it has served as a window into the city's evolving identity.

Before becoming a museum, the building once functioned as a kindergarten called Frobelschool. It was established in the 1880s and owned by Loge Sint Jan, a Freemasonry group.

The building's role shifted again in 1950, when it briefly operated as Yahua School. Indonesia's government eventually took over the property in 1960.

Today, Museum Kota Bandung showcases an old-world architectural style true to its colonial-era roots. This design choice helps transport visitors back through more than a century of history.

Statues greet guests right at the entrance, honoring two influential women in local history. One depicts Dewi Sartika, a pioneer of women's education in Indonesia.

Standing beside her is Emma Poeradiredja, a prominent figure in the Sundanese women's movement. Together, their statues frame the museum's front area with historical significance.

Visitors can explore this heritage site at Jalan Aceh No. 47, Babakan Ciamis, Bandung. The museum welcomes guests from Tuesday through Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.