According to the government’s master plan, which was first introduced in 2006, it will cost Rp 12 billion (US$1.33 million) to develop the Sonobudoyo, Djoko said.

The plan’s first phase was budgeted at Rp 7 billion, which was comprised of Rp 3.2 billion from the provincial budget and the remainder from the state budget, he added.

The government will free the land required for the museum’s development by next year, after which initial construction projects to build supporting facilities to meet international standards will begin, Djoko said.
“We had a discussion over acquisition procedures for the land on the day before the burglary took place last week,” Djoko said.

The additional land will increase the museum’s area from 7,300 square meters today to more than 12,000 square meters.

“We will focus on recreational, research and educational programs, as do the management teams of other museums that adhere to international standards,” Djoko said, adding the museum would also provide around-the-clock entertainment facilities in the future.

Located in the center of Yogyakarta, the Sonobudoyo Museum is one area earmarked by the local administration for development, along with other historical sites near the Grand Post Office crossroads, 500 meters north of Yogyakarta Palace.

The area to be developed includes sites around the Gedung Agung state palace, the Benteng Vredeburg Museum, the Bank Indonesia building and the BNI 46 building — all of which are centrally located near the Sonobudoyo Museum.

“According to the master plan, we will need three years to finish the project. If we start next year, we hope to finish by 2013,” Djoko said.

The administration will add other facilities to the museum compound, including a centerpiece — similar in size and vision to the Louvre’s pyramid — which will arise from the surrounding old buildings. The construction may also include an observatory where people can enjoy the view of Yogyakarta from above, Djoko said.

“We are still looking for the right shape and form, especially if it is located in the compound of Yogyakarta Palace,” Djoko said.

The Sonobudoyo Museum was officially launched on Nov. 6, 1935 by then king of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VIII.

The museum’s collections contain more than 43,000 items that date from prehistoric times to the 18th century and cover subjects such as geology, biology, ethnography, archeology, numismatics, history, philology, the arts and technology.

Other existing facilities at the Sonobudoyo Museum include a reception hall, an auditorium, a conservation laboratory and a library.

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