Mandar Majene Museum

Tracing the Footprints of Mandar Civilization: History and Heritage of the Mandar Majene Museum

Mandar Majene Museum is more than just a repository of ancient artifacts; it is the crystallization of the collective memory of the Mandar people in West Sulawesi. Located in the heart of Majene Regency, this museum stands as a silent witness to the transition of power from the Dutch colonial era to Indonesian independence, while also serving as the guardian of the noble Mandar culture.

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Historical Origins and Founding Period

The genesis of the Mandar Majene Museum is rooted in the colonial period. The building that now houses the museum originally served as a Hospital building, a legacy of the Dutch East Indies government, constructed around 1908. At that time, Majene was the administrative center of the Afdeeling Mandar, an important administrative region under Dutch control.

After independence, the function of this building underwent several changes. It was only on August 2, 1984, at the initiative of traditional leaders, cultural figures, and the local government, that the building was officially repurposed into a museum. Its inauguration was performed by the then Governor of South Sulawesi, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Amiruddin (considering that West Sulawesi was then still part of South Sulawesi). The primary objective was to salvage Mandar cultural artifacts that were beginning to be scattered and lost due to the lack of preservation facilities.

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Architecture and Construction Details: Indische Empire Style

The architectural style of the Mandar Majene Museum is strongly influenced by the Indische Empire Style, an architectural style that developed in the Dutch East Indies during the 18th and 19th centuries. The main characteristics preserved to this day are its very thick walls, reaching 30 to 40 centimeters, designed to mitigate tropical heat.

The building features very high ceilings with large windows that function as a cross-ventilation system. The original floor used classic patterned tiles, which are still maintained in several rooms. Other unique features include its sturdy roof structure and the use of massive concrete pillars at the front, giving an impression of grandeur and authority. Although it has undergone several minor renovations, the main structure of this Dutch-era building has been preserved in its original form as part of the cultural heritage conservation.

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Historical Significance and Related Events

This museum plays a vital role in documenting the history of the Mandar people's struggle against colonialism. One of the historical events associated with this location is the memory of the resistance of the Mara’dia (Kings) in Mandar land against Dutch hegemony.

Within this museum are preserved records and artifacts referring to the Pitu Ba'ba Binanga (Seven Kingdoms at the River Mouth) and Pitu Ulunna Salu (Seven Kingdoms at the River Head) Treaties. This alliance was a unique confederate governance system in Mandar that regulated social order and regional defense. This museum is the only place where visitors can visualize how this traditional governance system operated before it was eventually co-opted by the colonial administration.

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Iconic Figures and Collections

Several prominent figures associated with the historical narrative in this museum include independence struggle heroes from Mandar, such as Ibu Depu (Andi Depu), who was awarded the title of National Hero. Although her personal collection is scattered, the Mandar Museum holds documentation about her role in defending the Indonesian flag in Mandar land.

The most unique and specific collection of this museum is the Sandeq Boat. The museum houses miniatures and historical fragments about the Sandeq, a traditional Mandar sailing boat recognized as one of the fastest boats in the world. In addition, there is a collection of "Sure' Kondogo," which are ancient manuscripts written on lontar leaves, containing the genealogies of Mandar kings, customary laws, and ancient healing spells.

Another equally important legacy is the collection of ceramics from the Ming and Qing Dynasties found in Mandar waters, proving that the Majene region was once a very busy transit port on international maritime trade routes.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As a historical site registered as a cultural heritage, the Mandar Majene Museum continues to receive attention from the Cultural Heritage Preservation Center. The restorations carried out so far have been very careful not to alter the original facade of the building. The biggest challenge in this preservation is the humidity due to its proximity to the Majene coast, which can damage the paper of ancient manuscripts and metal artifacts.

The Majene Regency Government routinely conducts collection management (curation) and digitization of ancient Mandar manuscripts so that their contents can still be studied by future generations without having to touch the fragile physical manuscripts.

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Cultural Significance and Mandar Identity

For the local community, this museum is a symbol of "Malaqbi" (dignified/noble) identity. The museum often becomes a center for cultural activities, such as Mandar literature festivals and fine art exhibitions. The existence of this museum reinforces Majene's position as a "Old City" and an educational center in West Sulawesi. Religiously, the museum also houses artifacts related to the spread of Islam in Mandar, including ancient handwritten Qurans, which show how Islamic values assimilated with local customs through the principle of Adat Mapurondo.

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Unique Fact: From Morgue to Cultural Space

One rarely known unique fact is that the back part of the museum building was once the morgue and a heavy medical procedure room when it functioned as a Dutch hospital. The strong historical aura sometimes gives a mystical impression to some visitors, but this actually adds to the museum's appeal as a place that truly holds the "spirit" of the past.

Through the existence of the Mandar Majene Museum, the long history of maritime civilization, the political steadfastness of the Mandar kingdoms, and the aesthetics of colonial architecture merge in harmony. It is not merely a storage place for inanimate objects, but a living space that continuously tells the story of Mandar's human identity to the world.