East Nusa Tenggara Regional Museum

Traces of Island Civilization: History and Existence of the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Museum

Museum Daerah Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) is not merely a repository of ancient artifacts, but a civilization laboratory that encapsulates thousands of years of human migration history, megalithic cultural development, and the dynamics of colonialism in the southern island region of Indonesia. Located on Jalan Kayu Putih, Kupang City, this museum stands as a guardian of collective memory for over 50 ethnic groups inhabiting the Flobamora region (Flores, Sumba, Timor, Alor).

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Historical Origins and Establishment Period

The genesis of the NTT Regional Museum's establishment stemmed from the awareness of educational figures and culturalists in Kupang in the early 1970s regarding the importance of saving cultural artifacts that were increasingly being taken abroad. Formally, the physical construction of the museum began in the 1977/1978 fiscal year through the Nusa Tenggara Timur Museum Development project.

The museum was officially opened to the public on January 9, 1979. However, its institutional status was only confirmed through the Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 001/0/1991 dated January 9, 1991. Since regional autonomy was implemented, the museum's management was transferred to the Department of Education and Culture of NTT Province. The construction of this museum was part of a national effort to document the ethnic diversity in an archipelagic province with a strategic geopolitical location bordering Australia and Timor Leste.

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Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, the NTT Regional Museum building adopts traditional elements modified with a modern functional style. The building structure is designed to represent traditional houses from various ethnic groups in NTT. One prominent characteristic is the high, pointed roof shape, resembling the traditional house "Mbaru Niang" from Manggarai or traditional Sumba houses, symbolizing reverence for ancestors and the relationship between humans and the creator.

The museum's interior is divided into several thematic exhibition rooms designed chronologically and thematically. The use of local materials in its decorative elements provides an authentic ambiance. The building's construction is also designed to withstand Timor's characteristic dry tropical climate, with a ventilation system that allows for natural air circulation to maintain the correct humidity for organic collections such as woven fabrics and ancient manuscripts.

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Historical Significance and Related Events

The historical significance of the NTT Regional Museum lies in its ability to unite narratives from various geographically separated islands. The museum houses important evidence of the spice and sandalwood trade routes that made the NTT region a target for the Portuguese and Dutch since the 16th century.

One of the historical events documented here is the process of power struggles between local kingdoms in Timor and colonial powers. The museum preserves various replicas and original documents concerning the Paravicini Treaty of 1756, which was a significant milestone in the division of Dutch and Portuguese spheres of influence on Timor Island. Furthermore, the museum stands as a silent witness to the development of Kupang City from a small port into the provincial administrative center.

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Connected Figures and Historical Periods

The museum houses collections closely related to the living megalithic culture in Sumba and Flores. Figures connected in the museum's narrative include local kings (King of Kupang, King of Amarasi, and Kings in Flores) who played a role in diplomacy with the VOC and the Dutch East Indies government.

Archaeologically, the museum also exhibits findings related to ancient humans. The collection of fossilized molars of ancient elephants (Stegodon) found in Flores and Timor is important scientific evidence of ancient land bridges that once connected mainland Asia with the islands of NTT during the Pleistocene period. This connects the museum's narrative to world natural history, not just human history.

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Unique Collections and Historical Facts

One of the most unique collections and a source of pride for this museum is the Sasando musical instrument from Rote Island. The museum has various types of Sasando, from the most traditional (Sasando Gong) to electric Sasando. In addition, there are collections of ikat woven fabrics from each regency, each with different motifs; every motif tells the family lineage, social status, and local community's religious beliefs.

Another unique fact is the presence of "Moko" collections from Alor. Moko are bronze drums historically used as dowries or exchange tools. The existence of Moko in NTT proves past trade relations with the Dong Son culture in Northern Vietnam, indicating that thousands of years ago, the people of NTT were already involved in international trade networks.

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Cultural and Religious Significance

For the people of NTT, this museum holds religious and cultural functions as it houses many sacred objects or "Pemali." Ancestral statues made of wood and stone displayed are not just art objects, but representations of the animistic and dynamic belief systems that were (and in part still are) strongly adhered to by inland communities. These objects provide insight into how major religions (Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam) have acculturated with local traditions in NTT, creating a unique religious identity.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, the NTT Regional Museum is in a reasonably good state of maintenance under the supervision of the provincial government. Restoration efforts are carried out periodically, especially on woven fabric collections that are susceptible to damage from age and pests. The government has also begun digitizing collections to ensure historical data is preserved even if the physical artifacts degrade.

The museum's revitalization includes the addition of educational facilities for students and tourists, including the screening of local history documentaries. Despite facing budgetary challenges and a shortage of expert conservators, the museum remains the most credible institution for preserving cultural heritage in Nusa Tenggara Timur. Its existence ensures that the younger generation of NTT does not lose its historical roots amidst the rapid wave of modernization in Kupang City.