Balaputra Dewa Museum

Tracing the Footsteps of Sriwijaya Civilization and the Grandeur of the Sultanate at Balaputra Dewa Museum

Museum Balaputra Dewa is more than just an artifact repository; it is the cultural heart of South Sumatra, located on Jalan Srijaya, KM 5, Palembang. As a Cultural Center, this museum bears a significant responsibility in preserving the collective memory of the Palembang Malay community, from the prehistoric era, the glory of the Sriwijaya Kingdom, to the era of the Palembang Darussalam Sultanate. The name "Balaputra Dewa" itself is taken from the most renowned king of the Sriwijaya Kingdom in the 9th century, who led the kingdom to its peak of glory as a maritime and Buddhist center in Southeast Asia.

#

Preservation of Architectural Heritage: Rumah Limas and Rumah Ulu

One of the most prominent cultural icons at Museum Balaputra Dewa is the presence of the original Rumah Limas. This traditional house is so iconic that its image was immortalized on the old Rp10,000 denomination banknote. At this cultural center, visitors can not only see replicas but also enter the wooden structure built without iron nails.

The architectural preservation program here includes education about the philosophy of the tiered spatial arrangement of Rumah Limas (bengkilas). Each level symbolizes the caste or social status of its inhabitants in Palembang customs. Besides Rumah Limas, the museum also houses Rumah Ulu, a traditional house of the South Sumatran highland community designed to be earthquake-resistant. The presence of these two structures makes the museum a center for studying the traditional woodworking techniques of unglen and tembesu wood, which are now becoming rare.

#

Center for Traditional Arts and Crafts Activities

As a cultural center, Museum Balaputra Dewa regularly holds handicraft workshops. One of its flagship programs is the Songket Fabric weaving demonstration. Visitors can learn the differences between songket motifs such as Lemas, Bunga Cina, and Nampan Perak. The explanation does not stop at the weaving technique but also delves into the philosophical meaning behind the gold threads symbolizing the prosperity of the Sriwijaya era.

Besides songket, the museum serves as a meeting point for Palembang woodcarving artisans. This distinctive carving art is characterized by the dominance of red and gold colors (gincu), often found on traditional furniture and parts of Rumah Limas. Through periodic demonstrations, the museum strives to ensure that the regeneration of this carving skill is not interrupted.

#

Art Performances and Cultural Expressions

Museum Balaputra Dewa often serves as a stage for traditional storytelling and dance performances. One of the most frequently performed during special events is the Tari Gending Sriwijaya. This colossal dance is a visualization of the grandeur of welcoming esteemed guests in the past.

In addition to dance, the museum also preserves oral literature arts such as Batembang and Guritan. These programs are designed to reintroduce ancient languages and regional dialects to the younger generation. On certain days, the museum's spacious grounds are used for simulations of traditional games like Gasing (spinning top) and Egrang (stilts), aiming to momentarily distance children from their dependence on digital gadgets.

#

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The main pillar of Museum Balaputra Dewa is its function as a non-formal educational institution. The "Museum Goes to School" program and the "Cultural Quiz Competition" are annual agendas involving thousands of students from all over South Sumatra. This education is not limited to theory; students are invited to directly view megalithic collections from the Pagaralam (Pasemah) highlands, which include stone statues of humans riding elephants or entwined with buffaloes.

The management also opens avenues for collaboration with history and archaeology communities. Monthly discussions on epigraphy (inscription reading) are often held in the exhibition area of the Kedukan Bukit inscription (replica) and other inscriptions. This makes the museum an intellectual hub for those who wish to delve deeper into the maritime history of the Nusantara.

#

Role in Local Cultural Development

Museum Balaputra Dewa plays a strategic role as an integrator of South Sumatran culture. The museum not only focuses on the culture of mainland Palembang but also represents the diversity of sub-ethnic groups in South Sumatra, including Komering, Ogan, Rawas, and Besemah. By showcasing this diversity within one complex, the museum strengthens the province's identity as a diverse yet harmonious region.

Furthermore, the museum functions as an incubator for local artists. The open spaces around the museum complex are often used by traditional theater and music communities for practice. By providing these facilities, the museum indirectly encourages the creation of new artistic works that remain rooted in local traditions.

#

Cultural Uniqueness: Megalithic Collections and Statues

One thing that distinguishes Balaputra Dewa from other museums in Indonesia is its extraordinary megalithic collection. The stone statues from the Pasemah civilization demonstrate a high level of intelligence and aesthetics from ancient humans in South Sumatra. The dynamic and expressive poses of the statues provide a glimpse into the social life of thousands of years ago. The presence of this collection makes the museum a crucial center for prehistoric studies in Southeast Asia.

Overall, Museum Balaputra Dewa is more than just a place for inanimate objects. It is a living space where history is discussed, crafts are practiced, and national identity is strengthened. Through the integration of static exhibitions and dynamic cultural programs, the museum continues to transform into a center of civilization that ensures the light of Sriwijaya's glory and Palembang's elegance continue to shine in the future. A visit here is a spiritual and intellectual journey through the corridors of time, where every corner tells a story of the greatness of the South Sumatran people's spirit.