Located in Sentral 17th floor of Senayan 1, a square tower offices next to the Sogo next to Plaza Senayan, the building rather dull and uninteresting does not do justice to the exciting activities taking place inside.
The three words of the title will mainly be read as the Indonesian Heritage Society, which is the company that is involved in the preservation and diffusion of knowledge and understanding of Indonesian heritage. In other words, the company that helps take care of things of value transmitted by previous generations. And that's exactly what the company aims to.
The company began in 1970 as Volunteers Ganesha, and in 1995 was renamed Indo-Nesian Heritage Society (IHS). Its purpose is to help preserve the culture of Indonesia in an interactive way, that is, the preservation associated with the dissemination of knowledge and understanding of this unique and diverse culture.
To this end, IHS organizes tours of museums and training courses for museum guides (National Museum, Jakarta History Museum and Textile Museum), study groups covering a range interesting topics of Indonesian art, shrines of the gods and ceramics plants for life and Indonesian history, and many others in between. Then there are the explorers who visit and learn about the places and things that those who remain anchored in Jakarta, Puncak, Pelabuhan Ratu and Bali have not even heard. Did you know, for example, on the megaliths of Bada valleys Besoa and Napa in Central Sulawesi? I'm certainly not, I did not even know that there is an annual Dragon Boat Festival in Tangerang and I was a resident of Jakarta for a number of years. Absolutely fascinating explorers
And the evening conferences - From 19 pm on Thursdays. A variety of topics was treated and is planned for the future. And then there Rumahku (My House), conversations on culture, history of Indonesia and current affairs held in the home of member IHS or a diplomatic residence. This is actually a unique way, especially for new residents of Jakarta, socialize over coffee in the morning and make friends. New for this season is the projection of films. The best of Indonesian cinema will be screened, usually takes place on Saturday, meaning that members working IHS may also participate.
The participation seems to be a bit of a problem. While the activities of the company are of interest to both working and non-working organs in most cases, their calendar is completely unsuitable for those engaged in an occupation from September to May . This can be clearly seen from the register of members. Of the approximately 600 members, less than 10% are men. Many humans, the work members do, however, make up for their lack of activities by becoming corporate sponsors.
Another interesting feature is that members are largely representative of expatriate-some 50 nationalities-which means of course that Indonesian members are scarce. This is rather unfortunate. He is Indonesian heritage that the company wants to preserve. But it is parked in the foreign country for a number of years, who actively care. This benevolence, of course, was limited to an advisory capacity. And readers who knew the Indonesian bureaucracy, know for advice implemented is not easy. I am not speaking here of unhealthy advice, or a poorly packed, or wording in the wrong language I once heard an address expat advise the head of a provincial branch of Bank Indonesia as saudara, needless to say, its proposals are never even looked. I speak of the slow and indirect promotion advice, sales and personal approach needed for success. This is where the Indonesian members are eerily necessary. They could be the brother, uncle, cousin, a childhood friend, the university classmate, the person who decides the notice issued, or even of the same region. With such a back-up would not it be possible to have the cards in the windows of the National Museum caught in a larger font, and perhaps to move forward a little, to ensure readability under hawk visitors eyes?
Stadhuis - early 1900s and 2012
and in Kota, the old city? Fatahillah square has its fair share of the private-initiated thus presumably even a bit messy, entertainment. The old Stadhuis (Jakarta Historical Museum) should, however, be completely overhauled. With almost nothing and displayed Wobble floor that when stepped on, it's just a visit. Compare it to the private property located Café Batavia on the up and it becomes clear what could be done with the old buildings.
If it was only a matter of money, the problem would be fairly easy to solve. There seems to be a lack of vision, or drive, or daring improvements that holds back.
And furthermore, it is not only public buildings that need more attention and maintenance to keep them from deteriorating beyond the point of no return. Many private owners see their structures as nothing but a plot-precious-earth, and are not interested in heritage preservation. Again, the non-foreign members could have a serious impact as a small group of concerned citizens do exist but need to be strengthened.
Increasing the number of Indonesian members would be beneficial both for the things of value that have been passed down from previous generations, and IHS itself. This article can encourage some out there to join IHS.
IHS website: www.heritagejkt.org
