Deli Serdang Regional Museum

Traces of Civilization Behind the Grandeur of the Deli Serdang Regional Museum

Museum Daerah Deli Serdang is not merely a building storing artifacts, but a visual narrative that encapsulates the glory, colonialism, and cultural richness of the North Sumatra region. Strategically located in the Lubuk Pakam area, directly opposite the Sultan Thaf Sinar Basarsyah Grand Mosque, this museum stands as an icon of the diverse identity of the Deli Serdang community.

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Historical Origins and Founding Period

The construction of Museum Daerah Deli Serdang is rooted in the desire of the Deli Serdang Regency Government to document the long history of the region, which was once part of the Sultanate of Deli and the Sultanate of Serdang. The magnificent museum building standing today was inaugurated by the Regent of Deli Serdang, Ashari Tambunan, on September 8, 2017.

Although the building is relatively new, the essence of this museum is to replace the function of historical repositories that were previously scattered. Its establishment is part of an effort to integrate the arts and cultural center in Lubuk Pakam. Its location on the former site of the regional government office complex symbolizes that even modern administrative centers must not forget their historical roots.

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Architecture: A Blend of Modernity and Traditionalism

Architecturally, Museum Daerah Deli Serdang presents a unique and meaningful aesthetic. The building adopts a modern architectural style combined with strong local Malay touches. One of the most striking features is its roof shape, which adopts the style of a traditional Malay house roof with "Pucuk Rebung" (bamboo shoot) ornaments symbolizing growth and hope.

The building's construction consists of several floors designed with a storytelling concept. The facade of the building is dominated by golden yellow and green colors, which are traditionally colors of grandeur for Malay Sultanates in East Sumatra. The use of large glass panes on several sides gives an impression of transparency and openness, reflecting the openness of the Deli Serdang community towards progress without abandoning their identity.

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Historical Significance and Related Events

This museum is a silent witness to the transformation of Deli Serdang from prehistoric times to the era of independence. The most prominent historical significance is the documentation of the golden age of tobacco plantations (Deli Tabak). In the 19th century, this region was known worldwide as the best tobacco producer for cigars, which triggered rapid economic growth but also left behind bitter stories of contract laborers on the plantations.

The museum's collections include various relics from the era of the Sultanate of Serdang and the Sultanate of Deli. Visitors can see replicas of thrones, ceremonial attire, and traditional weapons such as keris and tumbuk lada. In addition, the museum houses archaeological artifacts in the form of megalithic stones and ancient household tools found around the Ular River and the coastal area of Pantai Cermin.

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Important Figures and Historical Periods

Great names such as Sultan Ma'mun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah of Deli and Sultan Sulaiman Syariful Alamsyah of Serdang are an inseparable part of this museum's narrative. The period of leadership of these sultans is depicted as a time when diplomacy with the Dutch colonial powers was conducted to maintain sovereignty and the welfare of the people, albeit under great political pressure.

The museum also highlights the role of local heroes during the physical revolution in North Sumatra. Deli Serdang was a fierce battlefield during the Dutch Military Aggression, and the museum immortalizes the people's spirit of resistance through dioramas and historical records of local heroism in the Medan Area Front, which directly bordered the Deli Serdang region.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As a conservation institution, Museum Daerah Deli Serdang applies modern standards in the care of its collections. The local government routinely digitizes artifact data to ensure historical information is preserved for future generations. Restoration is carried out periodically on organic collections such as ancient manuscripts and traditional clothing that are susceptible to tropical humidity.

In addition to physical maintenance, preservation is carried out through educational activities. The museum often hosts cultural competitions, temporary exhibitions, and historical discussions involving historians from Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). This is done to ensure that the museum does not become a "dead building" but a vibrant public space.

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Cultural and Religious Significance

Deli Serdang is known for its motto "Bhinneka Perkasa Jaya" (Diverse, Mighty, Victorious). This museum beautifully represents that diversity. Besides Malay culture, which is the main pillar, there are special rooms showcasing the cultural richness of the Karo, Simalungun, Javanese, and Chinese ethnic groups who have resided in this region for centuries.

From a religious perspective, the museum documents the arrival of Islam in the East Sumatra coast, brought by traders and clerics, which later became the official religion of the sultanates. The influence of Islam is clearly visible in the collection of ancient calligraphy and religious manuscripts. However, the museum also respects the existence of local beliefs and other religions that have shaped the social structure of the Deli Serdang community to this day.

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Unique Historical Facts

One little-known unique fact is that Museum Daerah Deli Serdang holds information about the history of railways in North Sumatra. Deli Serdang was one of the first regions in the Dutch East Indies to have a modern railway line (Deli Spoorweg Maatschappij) built specifically to transport tobacco and rubber plantation produce to Belawan Port.

In addition, the museum has a very complete collection of traditional musical instruments, including the "Gordang Sambilan." Although synonymous with Mandailing, it has a unique variation of use in the Deli Serdang region as a symbol of welcoming distinguished guests.

By visiting Museum Daerah Deli Serdang, one not only sees ancient objects but also understands how a region transformed from a dense forest into a world plantation center, and eventually became a modern and religious regency under the umbrella of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.