Indonesia Pushes Museum Modernization at Historic Radya Pustaka

RRI.CO.ID, Surakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, visited Museum Radya Pustaka in Surakarta Thursday, 26 March 2026 to promote museum modernization efforts. The visit was part of a broader working tour focused on strengthening cultural institutions.

During the inspection, Fadli Zon highlighted the museum’s significance as the oldest museum in Indonesia, founded in 1890. He noted that its extensive collections represent a vital part of the nation’s cultural and historical heritage.

He emphasized the need to improve exhibition design, narrative flow, and presentation quality to make the museum more engaging. “The collections here are valuable, and their presentation must be strengthened to attract visitors,” he said.

The minister also stressed the importance of integrating digital technology to enhance visitor experience. He added that modern storytelling approaches are essential to connect museums with younger generations, particularly Gen Z.

“Strengthening storytelling and digital elements is key to making museums more relevant and accessible,” Fadli Zon stated. He said these efforts would help increase public interest in cultural institutions.

Museum Radya Pustaka houses a wide range of important artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, wayang puppets, keris, and gamelan instruments. These collections reflect the rich history and development of Javanese civilization.

The visit was attended by Surakarta Mayor Respati Ardianto and other local officials, along with representatives from the Ministry of Culture. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort required to preserve and promote cultural heritage.

Concluding his visit, Fadli Zon reiterated that museums should serve not only as repositories of the past but also as educational spaces for the present and future. “Museums must evolve into cultural showcases that inspire awareness of identity and history among younger generations,” he said