RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – A second-floor house in the Cilandak Barat area serves as a place to keep alive the creativity of one of Southeast Asia’s greatest painting masters, Basoeki Abdullah. This property, which was handed over to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in 1998, has been transformed into a public art space that captivates the world.

The building, which was originally the artist’s private residence, was officially inaugurated as a museum on September 25, 2001. To accommodate the public’s ever-growing enthusiasm, the site was later expanded with the opening of Building II in November 2016. This expansion underscores the nation’s commitment to preserving one of its most important visual cultural assets.

The museum preserves a collective memory that encapsulates the painter’s aesthetic journey throughout his life. Inside the exhibition halls, visitors can view 123 masterpieces donated directly to the state. Additionally, there are 720 items from his personal art collection, ranging from sculptures and masks to traditional weapons and wayang puppets.

Basoeki Abdullah’s intellectual legacy is also vividly documented through thousands of literary works housed within the complex. More than 3,000 books and art magazines from his personal collection are neatly organized for study. This massive literary archive serves as a unique attraction for art researchers from around the world.

As a living institution, the museum serves as more than just a storage space for static, passive objects. The management consistently organizes exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and various scientific research projects for the general public. A variety of publications, including catalogs and biographies, are also regularly released to broaden the scope of education.

Currently, the institution operates under the auspices of the Indonesia Heritage Agency (IHA). This public service agency focuses on managing museums and cultural heritage sites according to more contemporary standards. Through integrated management, the maestro’s legacy is guided to inspire art lovers across national borders.

One tangible example of the museum’s ongoing contribution is the organization of the periodic Basoeki Abdullah Art Award. This prestigious competition is designed to identify and recognize young talent in the field of national visual arts. This strategic initiative ensures that the succession of talented artists in Indonesia will never be interrupted.