subject: Museum Bahari, A Fascinating Maritime Attraction [print this page] In Jakartas Northern region lies the important Museum Bahari, or Maritime Museum Indonesia. This institution is housed in the former warehouses of the Dutch East India Company. The museum aims to provide an understanding of the seagoing tradition of Indonesia and the significance of maritime activities to the nation today through images and miniature scale models.
Among the exhibits are models of fishermens boats from many regions of Indonesia, stone anchors which are used in some regions, the renowned Pinisi schooners characteristic of South Sulawesis Bugis people one of the last remaining sailing fleets on the globe and present-day steamers.
Indonesias rich maritime history pertaining to the various former kingdoms of the region is recounted in detail, with other exhibits featuring models of Dutch East Indian vessels, a collection of cannons used for protection and a painstakingly rendered miniature model of the Onrust Island, the shipyard used for the maintenance and repair of East Indian vessels.
In addition to models of sailing vessels belonging to the various parts of the vast nation of Indonesia, the museum displays tools used for shipbuilding along with details of seafaring folklore and traditions. Quaint pictures taken by passengers of the KPM shipping company are another highlight.
The museum does not omit to explore the field of modern maritime practices, with depictions of map-making performed by the Indonesian Navy, descriptions of different navigational aids, and details of Indonesian lighthouses.
Not to be missed is the Biological Oceanography section which provides details about the biodiversity and occurrence of populations of fish off the coasts of Indonesia, as well as depictions of attractive marine fauna and flora.
The museum is located in a series of imposing linked buildings that display typical Dutch style and robust construction. The building despite several renovations still evokes a sense of colonial grandeur well suited for its present function.
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