Mpu Tantular State Museum

Traces of Civilization at Mpu Tantular State Museum: East Java's Cultural Heritage

Mpu Tantular State Museum is one of the most significant historical preservation institutions in East Java. Strategically located on Jalan Raya Buduran, Buduran District, Sidoarjo Regency, this museum stands as a gateway of time connecting modern society with the past glories of the Nusantara, especially the East Java region which was the center of government for various great kingdoms.

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History of Establishment and Location Evolution

The origins of the Mpu Tantular Museum are inseparable from the initiative of a foreign national who had a deep love for Javanese culture, namely Godfried Hariowald von Faber. In 1933, this man of German descent founded the Stedelijk Historisch Museum Surabaya. Initially, the museum's collection was exhibited in a small room at the Raadhuis (City Hall) of Surabaya.

As the collection grew, the museum moved locations several times. In 1937, the museum occupied a building at Jalan Pemuda No. 3, Surabaya. After Von Faber's death, the museum's management experienced a difficult period until it was finally taken over by the East Java Provincial Government. On November 1, 1974, the museum was inaugurated as the East Java Provincial State Museum and bore the name "Mpu Tantular". This name was chosen to honor the great poet from the Majapahit Kingdom era who composed the Sutasoma text, the source of our nation's motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.

Due to the need for more space to accommodate its ever-growing collection, in 2004, the museum was officially moved from Surabaya to its current location in Buduran, Sidoarjo. This move marked a new chapter in the modernization efforts of exhibition displays and the conservation of cultural heritage objects in East Java.

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Architecture and Layout

The Mpu Tantular Museum complex in Sidoarjo occupies an area of approximately 3.5 hectares. Architecturally, the building adopts a modern, functional style while still incorporating traditional elements. The main building is designed to provide optimal air circulation and lighting for the preservation of ancient artifacts.

The museum area is divided into several main zones, including the permanent exhibition building, the temporary exhibition building, a conservation laboratory, a library, and an auditorium. The exhibition layout is arranged chronologically and thematically, allowing visitors to understand the historical flow systematically, from prehistoric times, the classical period (Hindu-Buddhist), the Islamic period, to the colonial and independence eras.

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Featured Collections and Historical Significance

Mpu Tantular Museum houses over 15,000 collections categorized into various scientific disciplines, such as Geologika, Biologika, Etnografika, Arkeologi, Historika, Numismatika, Filologika, Keramologika, Seni Rupa, and Teknologika.

One of the most iconic collections with high historical value is the Table Telephone that was once used by important figures in the past, as well as various replica inscriptions. However, the main attraction for archaeological researchers is the collection of gold crowns and jewelry, remnants of kingdoms in East Java, which demonstrate the advancement of metal craft technology at that time.

In the field of literature, the museum preserves various ancient manuscripts written on palm leaves. These philological collections cover aspects of law, traditional medicine, and spiritual teachings that form the foundation of Javanese culture. The existence of these manuscripts reinforces Mpu Tantular's position as a center for ancient manuscript studies in the eastern part of Java Island.

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Related Figures and Periods

The name Mpu Tantular itself refers to an intellectual figure of the 14th century under the reign of King Hayam Wuruk. The choice of this name was not without reason; the spirit of tolerance championed by Mpu Tantular in his writings reflects the diversity of collections within the museum, originating from various religious and ethnic backgrounds.

The museum's collections span a very broad period, from the fossils of the ancient human Pithecanthropus erectus to relics from the struggle for independence against the Dutch and Japanese. The museum specifically highlights the glory of the Kediri, Singhasari, and Majapahit Kingdoms, all of which were centered in East Java. Objects such as Hindu and Buddhist deity statues here are not merely works of art, but tangible evidence of the religious syncretism that once flourished in this land.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As a provincial-level museum, Mpu Tantular holds a great responsibility in conservation. Many collection items, especially those made of metal and wood, require special care due to age and the tropical climate. The management regularly conducts mechanical and chemical cleaning processes to prevent corrosion and decay.

Restoration is also carried out on fragile palm leaf manuscripts. Digitization processes are currently being promoted so that the content of these ancient manuscripts can be accessed by the wider public without having to touch the vulnerable physical manuscripts. Furthermore, the museum actively collaborates with cultural heritage preservation centers to ensure that every new archaeological finding in Sidoarjo and its surroundings receives appropriate handling.

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Unique Historical Facts

One unique fact about the Mpu Tantular Museum is its possession of a very complete collection of traditional musical instruments, including an ancient gamelan set that is still playable. Additionally, the museum houses a collection of ancient transportation tools, including a royal carriage that was once used by noble families in East Java.

Another interesting fact is the presence of a Numismatic collection that includes "Gobog" coins from the Majapahit era. These coins not only functioned as a medium of exchange but also as ritual objects believed to possess magical powers, offering a unique glimpse into the economic systems and beliefs of ancient societies.

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Cultural and Educational Role

For the people of Sidoarjo and East Java, the Mpu Tantular Museum is more than just an "antique warehouse." It serves as a center for formal and informal education. Every year, thousands of students visit the museum to learn about local history firsthand. The museum's presence in Sidoarjo also provides a strong cultural identity for the regency, dispelling the notion that Sidoarjo is only known as an industrial area or a disaster site.

Religiously and culturally, sacred objects such as statues and ceremonial equipment stored here are still respected for their spiritual value. The museum often becomes a place of study for cultural and historical enthusiast communities who wish to delve deeper into the nation's identity.

With all its rich collections and long history, the Mpu Tantular Museum remains a strong guardian of the nation's collective memory. Through continuous preservation efforts, the museum ensures that the noble values of the past remain relevant for future generations.