Nusa Tenggara Barat Provincial Museum

Diversity of Collections and Preservation of Cultural Heritage

The main strength of the NTB Provincial Museum lies in its ability to conserve and exhibit the ethnic diversity of NTB. The museum's collections are classified into various scientific disciplines, ranging from geological, biological, ethnographic, to numismatic. One of its main attractions is the collection of ancient manuscripts (Lontar) written on palm leaves, which contain customary laws, traditional medicine (husada), and the genealogies of past kingdoms.

Preservation efforts at this museum are carried out comprehensively. In addition to the physical care of metal objects such as keris and royal crowns, the museum is also active in digitizing manuscripts. This is crucial to ensure that the knowledge contained in Sasak and Jejawan scripts is not lost to time, while also making it easier for researchers to access the manuscript content without damaging the original physical copies.

Traditional Arts and Crafts: Representation of Local Identity

Museum Negeri NTB is home to various forms of crafts that reflect the diligence of the local community. Here, visitors can see in detail the techniques of making ikat and songket woven fabrics from Lombok-Sumbawa, which use natural dyes. The "Learn with the Maestro" program is often held, where weavers from Sukarara or Pringgasela villages are invited to demonstrate the processes of nyisig and nyukit in front of the public.

In addition to crafts, the museum regularly features traditional performing arts. The grand Gendang Beleq art, the Pego Bulaeng dance from Sumbawa, and the traditional drama Cepung are often performed on the museum's open-air stage. The presence of these performances ensures that the museum's function extends beyond being a static exhibition space, becoming a living stage for dynamic cultural expression.

Educational Programs and Cultural Literacy

As a non-formal educational institution, Museum Negeri NTB has a great responsibility in instilling noble values in the younger generation. One of its flagship programs is "Museum Keliling" (Traveling Museum). This program brings some of the collections and artifact replicas to schools in remote areas of Lombok and Sumbawa islands that have limited access to visit Mataram.

Within the museum itself, there are activities such as "Cultural Quiz Competition" and "Traditional Games Competition" like Gasing (spinning top) and Egrang (stilt walking). These activities are designed so that elementary and middle school children do not feel alienated from their cultural roots. Additionally, traditional script writing workshops are held periodically to ensure local literacy is maintained amidst the onslaught of digital culture.

Role in Community and Social Empowerment

Museum Negeri NTB transforms into an inclusive public space for various creative communities in Mataram. The museum often hosts gatherings for history communities, photography enthusiasts, and literary activists. This community involvement is realized through the "Museum di Hatiku" (Museum in My Heart) program, which aims to build a sense of belonging among the community towards their cultural heritage.

The museum also acts as a curator for culture-based MSMEs. On various occasions, the museum provides space for potters from Banyumulek or pearl jewelry makers to exhibit their works, connecting the historical value of artifacts with the potential of today's creative economy.

Cultural Festivals and Iconic Events

Every year, Museum Negeri NTB becomes the center of attention through the organization of various festivals. One of the most anticipated is the "Joint Exhibition," which involves museums from other provinces in Indonesia, to showcase the historical connections between regions. Furthermore, the museum's anniversary celebrations are often combined with traditional rituals such as Selamatan (thanksgiving ceremony) or joint prayers involving traditional leaders from customary councils.

Major events like the "NTB Museum Festival" are usually filled with modified traditional costume carnivals, cooking competitions for regional specialties like Ayam Taliwang and Sepat, and international seminars discussing the archaeology and anthropology of the Wallacea region. This festival becomes a magnet for domestic and international tourists, positioning the museum as a leading cultural tourism destination in Mataram.

Challenges and Future of Cultural Development

Amidst globalization, Museum Negeri NTB continues to innovate to remain relevant. Facility development such as modern audio-visual rooms, the utilization of Augmented Reality (AR) technology for several flagship collections, and the refinement of more interactive collection narratives are continuously being carried out. This aims to allow the Gen Z audience to enjoy history in a more fun and easily understandable way.

The museum management is also actively collaborating with international institutions for underwater archaeology research, given that the NTB region has a long maritime history with numerous shipwreck sites carrying past trade commodities. This research is expected to enrich the collection of ceramics and metal objects in the future.

Conclusion: The Museum as the Nation's Identity

Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat is the heartbeat of culture in Mataram. It is not merely a grand building with architecture typical of traditional houses, but an institution that holds the soul and identity of the NTB people. Through the integration of conservation, education, and recreation, this museum has successfully proven that traditional values do not have to be abandoned to progress.

By visiting and participating in the programs at Museum Negeri NTB, people not only learn about who their ancestors were, but also understand their position in world civilization. This museum stands firm as the guardian of collective memory, ensuring that every thread of songket and every stroke on lontar will continue to tell future generations about the glory and local wisdom of Nusa Tenggara Barat.