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Travel back through time along the spice trail at 'Jalur Rempah' Museum Week
Journey through time: Education and Culture Minister Anies Baswedan (second from right) listens as a guide explains the story of Indonesia's spices during the opening of "Spice Trail: the Untold Story" at the national Museum in Jakarta on Sunday, Oct 18
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span class="inline inline-center">Journey through time: Education and Culture Minister Anies Baswedan (second from right) listens as a guide explains the story of Indonesia's spices during the opening of "Spice Trail: the Untold Story" at the national Museum in Jakarta on Sunday, Oct 18.(thejakartapost.com/Wienda Parwitasari)
The third installation of the Museum Week series, themed Jalur Rempah (spice trail), was officially opened by Culture and Education Minister Anies Baswedan at the Indonesian National Museum in Jakarta on Sunday. The event will run until Oct. 25, showcasing the history and stories of Jalur Rempah through a series of seminars, dining experiences, botanical exhibitions, art installations and educational activities for kids.
A multimedia timeline of the history of spices will transport visitors to the past, bringing to life the glory of Indonesian spices over the centuries. Visitors can find even more information through a virtual-reality mobile app called SiJi, which is downloadable for free.
During his opening speech, Minister Anies highlighted the importance of recalling the archipelago's glorious history as the land of spices. ''Jalur Rempah: the untold story' serves as a reminder of how Indonesia as a nation grabbed the world's attention with its spice commodities,' said Anies.
Anies Baswedan chisels a replica of a spice vessel displayed at "Spice Trail, the Untold Story" at the National Museum in Jakarta on Sunday, Oct 18. (thejakartapost.com/Wienda Parwitasari) " title="Back from the past: Education and Culture Minister Anies Baswedan chisels a replica of a spice vessel displayed at "Spice Trail, the Untold Story" at the National Museum in Jakarta on Sunday, Oct 18. (thejakartapost.com/Wienda Parwitasari) " border="0" height="341" width="512">
Spices such as cloves, nutmeg and peppers once served as a magnet for merchants from Europe and all over the world, not only to trade for spices but to conquer the land. Indonesian historian JJ Rizal said that it is important to acknowledge historical perspectives when looking at the the spice trade. 'Indonesia played a major role in changing the world during the spice trade era,' said Rizal.
The Museum Week event series was initiated by Bina Museum Indonesia in collaboration with various art and science communities such as Komunitas Bambu, GELAR, Bina Nusantara School of Design, Layaria Network, the Indonesian Botanical Gardens Foundation, Jakarta Vintage and many more.
Organizers have even installed a pakur, a traditional wooden ship from Mandar in West Sulawesi, in front of the National Museum to allow visitors to take a closer look at the unique style of boat, which has a style of rectangular sail now rarely seen. Jalur Rempah will be closed to the public on Oct. 22 and 23 for a state banquet and will open again on Oct. 24. (nov)
