Penghulu Muhammad Soleh Museum

Traces of History and the Glory of Musi Civilization: Penghulu Muhammad Soleh Museum

Museum Penghulu Muhammad Soleh is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Musi Banyuasin Regency (Muba), South Sumatra. Standing majestically on the banks of the Musi River, precisely in Balai Agung Village, Sekayu District, this building is not just a physical structure, but a symbol of resistance, religious leadership, and the still-preserved Malay-Palembang architectural aesthetics.

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Origin and the Figure of Penghulu Muhammad Soleh

The museum's name is taken from a central figure in the history of the Sekayu community, namely Penghulu Muhammad Soleh bin Haji Muhammad Ali. He was a religious scholar and a government official (Penghulu) during the Dutch colonial era and the early days of independence. The position of "Penghulu" at that time held great honor, as it was responsible for managing religious affairs, Islamic family law, and serving as a social advisor to the local community.

Born into a devout family, Muhammad Soleh was known as a progressive cleric. He did not only focus on religious propagation but was also active in the national movement. The house that is now the museum was built between the 1920s and 1930s, serving as his private residence and a meeting point for independence fighters in the Musi Banyuasin region.

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Architecture: A Blend of Aesthetics and Functionality

Architecturally, the Penghulu Muhammad Soleh Museum adopts the Rumah Limas style, modified with colonial and coastal Malay influences. The building structure is dominated by unglen and tembesu wood, local wood types known for their extraordinary resistance to weather and termite attacks for hundreds of years.

A unique characteristic of this building is the concept of a high stilt house. This is a clever adaptation to Sekayu's geographical condition, being in the Musi river basin which often experiences tides. The lower part of the house is usually left empty or used for storing boats and agricultural tools, while the upper part serves as the main living space.

Its pyramid-shaped roof symbolizes social and spiritual hierarchy. In the interior, visitors can see distinctive carvings of jasmine flowers and geometric motifs on the kekijing (tiered floor). The kekijing is not merely a decorative element but a marker of the social status of visiting guests; the higher the floor level, the higher the guest's position in the social strata or family.

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Strategic Role in the Struggle Period

This museum holds deep historical value as it was a silent witness to the coordination of the Musi Banyuasin people's struggle against colonization. During the military aggression, Penghulu Muhammad Soleh's house was often used as a hiding place for fighters and a location for secret meetings to plan guerrilla strategies along the Musi River waters.

One rarely known unique fact is the role of this house as a logistics and information center for the People's Security Army (TKR) in the western part of South Sumatra. Due to Muhammad Soleh's position as a respected religious figure, the Dutch initially did not suspect much of the activities in this house, making it a relatively safe haven for independence activists.

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Collections and Historical Artifacts

As a museum, this building houses various relics that represent the life of the Musi Banyuasin community in the past. The main collections include:

1. Ancient Manuscripts: Handwritten copies of the Al-Qur'an and yellow books belonging to Penghulu Muhammad Soleh, used to teach the community.

2. Traditional Household Utensils: Various types of antique porcelain plates, jars, and brassware, indicating international trade routes through the Musi River.

3. Traditional Weapons: Keris, spears, and parangs used by the local community as status symbols or for self-defense.

4. Traditional Attire: Muba's distinctive wedding attire and old-motif songket fabric woven with real gold thread.

5. Photographic Documents: Black and white photographs depicting the atmosphere of Sekayu town in the past and family documentation of Penghulu Muhammad Soleh during his government duties.

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Cultural and Religious Significance

This museum symbolizes the integration of Islamic values and local wisdom (adat). For the people of Musi Banyuasin, the figure of Penghulu Muhammad Soleh represents the ideal of "Ulama-Umara" (religious leader and community leader). The existence of this museum reinforces Sekayu's identity as a religious city that is open to the progress of the times.

Every corner of the building reflects the life philosophy of the Musi people who prioritize deliberation and openness. The spacious front terrace (jogan) symbolizes the host's hospitality in receiving guests regardless of caste.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

The Musi Banyuasin Regency Government has officially designated this building as a cultural heritage site to protect it from damage. Restoration processes have been carried out several times with great care to maintain the authenticity of the building materials. Rotted wood has been replaced with the same type of wood, and repainting has been done using traditional colors such as dark brown and gold.

The transformation of a private house into a public museum is a strategic step to educate the younger generation of Muba. Currently, the Penghulu Muhammad Soleh Museum is the main historical tourist destination in Sekayu. Visitors not only gain historical information but can also experience the atmosphere of Malay noble life in the past.

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Conclusion and Future Hopes

Museum Penghulu Muhammad Soleh is the "gatekeeper" of the collective memory of the Musi Banyuasin people. Its existence reminds us that the progress felt today is rooted in the struggles and thoughts of great figures from the past. By preserving this museum, the Muba community is not just caring for a wooden building, but also nurturing the nation's dignity and self-respect.

In the future, it is hoped that the museum can integrate digital technology, such as QR code scanning for each artifact, to attract the interest of millennials and Gen Z. This museum is not just a silent artifact, but a living narrative that continues to tell the story of glory on the banks of the Musi River.