Exploring the Dutch–Aceh War Collection Through a Research Mission in Aceh

From 29 September to 6 October 2025, a team from the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, the Ministry of Culture, and SEAMS, through the #KoleksiKita, conducted visits to several historical sites across Aceh.

This activity aimed to strengthen the documentation system and study 42 collection objects held at the National Museum of Indonesia (MNI) by applying updated documentation methods based on several international standards, including those from the Getty Research Institute.

During the eight-day research, the #KoleksiKita team carried out a series of activities that included identifying object data such as archives, old catalogues, and photographs, as well as conducting consultations with related communities.

The research process applied field data collection approaches, interviews with local communities, and visual documentation through high-resolution photography. A total of six representatives from the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage and SEAMS were involved in this mission.

Consultation with Local Stakeholders

An essential part of this mission was to gain new perspectives on the National Museum of Indonesia’s collection objects from local communities. As part of the research, a series of consultations were conducted in several historic areas of Aceh. The #KoleksiKita team used high-resolution photographs of Acehnese collection objects at the National Museum of Indonesia to gather deeper insights into their provenance and historical context.

This research also included field surveys to a number of historical sites connected to the events of the Dutch–Aceh War. The visited locations included the Aceh Museum, Awe Geutah Tomb, Pedir Museum, and Gayo Museum. Through these visits, the team sought to trace historical connections and deepen the understanding of the context behind the collections preserved at the National Museum of Indonesia.

Oral History Documentation

The #KoleksiKita team and the National Museum of Indonesia also conducted oral history documentation through video recordings at each site. This documentation plays an important role in cross-referencing data with collections and events related to the Dutch War in Aceh, while enriching the narrative dimension in the interpretation of the museum’s collections.

Before the research mission to Aceh, the #KoleksiKita team and the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage had undergone several preparation since July 2025, starting with archival research on museum documentation, including catalogues and historical photographs. In addition, condition assessments of the 42 objects in the National Museum of Indonesia’s collection were conducted, followed by the digitization process.

The outcomes of this initiative are expected to strengthen the National Museum of Indonesia’s documentation system. This includes not only archival records from the Dutch colonial period but also oral histories and new information that help complete the stories behind each object. Through #KoleksiKita, the project also explores ways to preserve and manage this important documentation for both collection management and public access.

This activity is supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), which is committed to supporting the preservation of historic buildings, archaeological and cultural sites, museum objects and collections, as well as traditional forms of expression such as languages and music in participating countries.