Subkoss Garuda Sriwijaya Museum

Origin and Founding History

The name "Subkoss" is an abbreviation of Sub Komandemen Sumatera Selatan (South Sumatra Sub-Command). Historically, this building began to function as a military headquarters during the War of Independence (1945-1949). The establishment of this headquarters was triggered by the urgent need to coordinate military forces in the southern Sumatra region to face the Dutch military aggression.

The building that is now a museum was originally a residence belonging to a Dutch colonial official, built in the 1930s. However, after the proclamation of independence, the building was taken over by the fighters. In 1947, as Dutch military pressure intensified in Palembang, the military command center was moved to Lubuk Linggau due to its strategic geographical location, protected by hilly topography and serving as a meeting point for railway lines and roads leading to Bengkulu and West Sumatra.

Officially, the Subkoss Garuda Sriwijaya Museum was inaugurated by the Governor of South Sumatra, H. Ramli Hasan Basri, in mid-1988. The inauguration aimed to preserve the historical assets of the struggle from being lost to time and to serve as an educational facility for the younger generation.

Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, the Subkoss Garuda Sriwijaya Museum adopts the Indische Empire Style, a blend of European (Dutch) architectural styles with adaptations to Indonesia's tropical climate. The colonial characteristics are strongly evident in the thick building walls, high ceilings (plafonds) for good air circulation, and large windows with sturdy wooden doors.

The main construction uses high-quality concrete and wood materials that have retained their authenticity to this day. At the front of the museum, there is a spacious terrace supported by simple yet grand concrete pillars. One of the most striking architectural elements and an icon is the "Garuda Sriwijaya" emblem imprinted on the front, symbolizing the courage and glory of ancestral heritage in the land of South Sumatra.

In the museum courtyard, visitors are greeted by a monument in the form of an old steam locomotive, series C30067. This locomotive is not just a display; it is a silent witness to the mobilization of troops and war logistics from Palembang to Lubuk Linggau during the physical revolution.

Historical Significance and Important Events

The significance of the Subkoss Museum lies in its role as a "Command Center." It was within this building that strategic decisions were made to confront the First and Second Dutch Military Aggressions. Lubuk Linggau was then nicknamed the "City of Struggle" as it was the last bastion of South Sumatra's defense before falling into enemy hands.

One unique event recorded is the building's function as a coordination center for emergency currency or ORIDA (Regional Indonesian Rupiah). Due to the disruption of communication lines with the central government in Yogyakarta, the government in South Sumatra printed its own currency to maintain economic stability and finance the struggle. The museum houses specimens and printing equipment used during that period.

Furthermore, this building witnessed the unification of various struggle factions, from regular soldiers (TRI/TNI) to people's militias from various regions such as Jambi, Lampung, Bengkulu, and South Sumatra itself.

Important Figures and Featured Collections

Several legendary Indonesian military figures have strong ties to this site. Names like Colonel Maludin Simbolon and Lieutenant Colonel Bambang Utoyo are recorded as having commanded from this building. They were defense architects who successfully slowed down the movement of Dutch troops in the interior of Sumatra.

The museum's collections are highly specific and authentic. There are over 150 historical artifacts displayed, including:

1. Traditional and Modern Weapons: Ranging from keris, spears, to machine guns from World War II, seized from Japanese and Dutch soldiers.

2. Communication Equipment: Field telephones and old radios used to intercept enemy transmissions.

3. War Documents and Maps: Original maps of guerrilla strategies in the forests of South Sumatra.

4. Service Uniforms: Original uniforms of the fighters that still bear the traces of the physical struggle.

Conservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, the Subkoss Garuda Sriwijaya Museum is managed by the South Sumatra Provincial Government through the Department of Culture and Tourism. Its status as a Cultural Heritage protected by law ensures that any physical changes to the building must undergo strict conservation procedures.

Restoration is carried out periodically to maintain the structural integrity of the building, especially the roof and wooden floors which are susceptible to decay. Modernization efforts are also underway with improved lighting and the addition of digital information labels to help visitors understand the historical narrative presented. Despite updates, the local government is committed to maintaining at least 90% of the original building's form.

Cultural and Educational Relevance

For the people of Lubuk Linggau and South Sumatra in general, the Subkoss Museum is a symbol of pride. This site often becomes the center for commemorating national holidays such as Independence Day on August 17th and Heroes' Day on November 10th.

Culturally, this museum teaches the value of "Batang Hari Sembilan," a philosophy of unity among the people of the nine major rivers in South Sumatra who worked together against colonization. The existence of this museum proves that the struggle for independence did not only occur on Java Island but also raged fiercely in the land of Sriwijaya on a massive scale.

As a historical tourist destination, the Subkoss Garuda Sriwijaya Museum offers an immersive experience. Visitors don't just see inanimate objects; they are seemingly transported back to 1948, imagining the roar of steam locomotives and the tense discussions of officers within the cool rooms of this building. The museum stands as a reminder that independence is the result of meticulous strategy and unwavering unity.