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Multatuli Museum presents first edition of 'Max Havelaar'
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Multatuli Museum presents the history of colonialism in Indonesia, Multatuli's works, the history of Lebak and Banten and the current development of Rangkasbitung. (Multatuli Museum's Instagram/File)
Those wanting to visit Lebak regency in Banten may want to drop by to Multatuli Museum on Jl. Alun-Alun Timur No. 8, Rangkasbitung.
Kompas.com reported that the museum was built to commemorate Eduard Douwes Dekker, a Dutch writer who went by the pen name Multatuli.
Occupying a 1,842-square-meter building, the museum has seven rooms, which are divided into four themes, presenting the history of colonialism in Indonesia, Multatuli and his works, the history of Lebak and Banten, as well as the current development of Rangkasbitung.
In regards to the collection, the museum showcases historical items owned by Eduard Douwes Dekker, including the first edition of Max Havelaar in French.
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Published in 1860, the novel describes the starvation and corruption under the Cultivation System in the Dutch East Indies. Max Havelaar is regarded as one of the 50 greatest events in Dutch history, which managed to shock people in the Netherlands.
In addition to the first edition of Max Havelaar, the museum also showcases Multatuli’s face paintings, an old map of Lebak and some archives. It also displays letters between Multatuli and Dutch East Indies' officials about the condition of Lebak’s residents at that time.
Furthermore, the museum is also equipped with an audiovisual room, allowing visitors to learn about history through modern technology.
Lebak’s head of heritage and museum of the Education and Culture Agency, Ubaidillah Muchtar, said the museum would also gradually host Max Havelaar book discussions. (jes/kes)
