Rumah Bundar Museum

Rumah Bundar Museum: Silent Witness to World War II in Tarakan

Museum Rumah Bundar is one of the most iconic cultural heritage sites in Tarakan City, North Kalimantan. As part of a network of historical sites scattered across the island, this museum is not just an old building, but a living monument that records the traces of Dutch colonialism, Japanese occupation, and liberation operations by Allied forces. Located on Jalan Danau Jempang, Pamusian Village, this museum stands strong as a symbol of resilience and changing times in Indonesia's border region.

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Origin and Construction Period

The construction of Museum Rumah Bundar is closely related to the exploitation of natural resources in Tarakan, especially petroleum. In the early 20th century, Tarakan was known as one of the largest oil barns in the Dutch East Indies, managed by the Bataafsche Petroleum Maatschappij (BPM). After massive destruction due to the "scorched earth" tactic employed by the Dutch when Japan entered in 1942, infrastructure in Tarakan was razed to the ground.

The building that is now Museum Rumah Bundar was built in 1945 by Australian soldiers who were part of the Allied forces (NICA). Initially, this building was not designed as a museum, but as an emergency residence for Dutch East Indies government civilian employees returning to Tarakan after Japan's surrender. The choice of a unique shape was based on the need for a quickly built, functional dwelling using materials available from the remnants of the battlefield.

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Characteristics of Jengki Architecture and "Nissen Hut"

The main uniqueness of Museum Rumah Bundar lies in its architectural style, which differs from typical colonial buildings. This building adopts the Nissen Hut style, a prefabricated design invented by Major Peter Norman Nissen of the British military in World War I. This design was then mass-produced during World War II due to its material efficiency and ease of mobilization.

The structure of the building has a semi-circular arched roof made of corrugated zinc (galvalum) that extends to the ground, thus having no perpendicular side walls. The front and back of the building are flat with simple ventilation to regulate air circulation in Tarakan's humid tropical climate. The floor is made of concrete, providing stability to the lightweight structure above. This curved roof shape is aerodynamically very strong against strong winds and effective in channeling rainwater, a very practical military architectural innovation of its time.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Museum Rumah Bundar stands on land that was once a site of fierce battles. Tarakan was the first point in Indonesia invaded by Japan in January 1942 due to its abundant oil reserves. Three years later, in May 1945, Tarakan again became a battlefield in "Operation Oboe One," where the Australian 9th Division landed on Lingkas Beach to recapture the island from Japanese hands.

This building witnessed a crucial period of power transition. Its presence marked the phase of Tarakan's post-war reconstruction. In the context of global history, the existence of Nissen-style houses in Tarakan proves the influence of Western military technology brought to Southeast Asia during the Pacific campaign. Every curve of zinc on this building holds collective memories of the sounds of artillery fire and the roar of fighter planes that once filled the skies of North Kalimantan.

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Figures and Artifact Collections

Although it does not refer to one specific individual as the owner, this building is strongly associated with the presence of Brigadier General David Whitehead, who led the Australian forces in the recapture of Tarakan. Inside the museum, visitors can find various artifacts that serve as tangible evidence of the cruelty and dynamics of the war in Tarakan.

The museum's collection includes various military relics such as fighter plane propellers, old beverage bottles belonging to Japanese and Allied soldiers, steel helmets, as well as remnants of ammunition and weapons. In addition, there are black and white documentary photographs showing the devastated condition of Tarakan City due to aerial bombings, as well as photos of local fighters who assisted Allied troops in expelling the Japanese invaders. One unique collection is household items from the colonial era, which show the human side of life amidst conflict.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As part of the Cultural Heritage protected by Law No. 11 of 2010, Museum Rumah Bundar is managed by the Tarakan City Government through the Department of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Tourism. Restoration efforts are continuously carried out to maintain the structural integrity of the building, especially the zinc roof which is susceptible to corrosion from sea air.

The local government is striving to integrate Museum Rumah Bundar into the "Tarakan Heritage" historical tourism package. The restoration undertaken maintains the originality of its form and materials so that its historical value is not lost. The area around the museum is also landscaped with lush gardens, making it a center for historical education for the younger generation in North Kalimantan so they do not forget their region's strategic role on the world's historical stage.

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Importance of Culture and Education

For the people of Tarakan, Museum Rumah Bundar is not just a tourist attraction, but the city's identity. This museum serves as a study center for researchers and students to understand the impact of World War II in eastern Indonesia. Culturally, this museum reminds residents of the diverse backgrounds of Tarakan's population who have interacted with various nations since ancient times, from the Dutch, Japanese, to the Australians.

The existence of this museum also serves as a reminder of the importance of peace. By viewing the remnants of war destruction on display, visitors are invited to reflect on the high price of freedom. Museum Rumah Bundar stands tall as a monument to resilience, a remnant of civilization that has survived the firestorm of war towards the era of modern Indonesian development.