Batam - Hari Ke 2 - Muzium Raja Ali Haji

 

Exploring the museum’s role in preserving and showcasing Batam’s cultural heritage.

In the heart of Batam lies a testament to its rich and often overlooked history—the Museum Raja Ali Haji. Established to preserve and showcase the island’s cultural heritage, this institution offers a profound insight into Batam’s journey from a modest settlement to a bustling industrial hub.

The Museum Raja Ali Haji, inaugurated on December 18, 2020, coinciding with Batam’s 191st anniversary, stands as a beacon of the island’s historical and cultural narrative. Named after the esteemed 19th-century Malay historian and poet, Raja Ali Haji, the museum is strategically situated in Dataran Engku Putri, Batam Center, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists.

The edifice that houses the museum boasts a history of its own. Originally constructed for the 25th National Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) in 2014, the structure was later repurposed to serve as a cultural repository. This transformation was marked by the unveiling of a sketch of Nong Isa, the first leader of Batam appointed in 1829, symbolizing the island’s administrative genesis.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a series of exhibits meticulously curated to chronicle Batam’s evolution. The museum’s 15 exhibition rooms encapsulate eras ranging from the reign of the Lingga Sultanate, through Dutch and Japanese occupations, to the post-independence period and the significant developments under B.J. Habibie’s leadership.

One of the museum’s innovative approaches to engagement is its use of QR codes accompanying each exhibit. This digital integration allows visitors to delve deeper into the stories behind the artifacts by simply scanning the codes with their smartphones—a nod to blending tradition with modernity.

The museum doesn’t merely confine itself to static displays. It frequently hosts cultural events, seminars, and workshops aimed at revitalizing and promoting Malay heritage. These initiatives not only educate but also foster a sense of pride among the local populace, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Batam’s history is appreciated by younger generations.

However, it’s worth noting that while the museum offers free admission—a commendable move to encourage visitation—the reliance on digital tools like QR codes necessitates that visitors have access to smartphones and internet connectivity. This could pose a barrier for some, suggesting that the museum might consider supplementary traditional information dissemination methods to ensure inclusivity.

For those venturing from Singapore and other international locales, the Museum Raja Ali Haji offers more than just a chronological display of artifacts. It provides a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics that have shaped Batam—a city often perceived solely through its modern industrial facade. A visit here enriches one’s perspective, revealing the island’s intrinsic value beyond its economic contributions.

Kredit Batam News 

Assalamualaikum,

Selepas Masjid Agung kami di bawa ke Muzium Raja Ali Haji. Nak masuk je tu dia naik tangga ko. Aduhaiiiii aku tak larat naik tangga ni jadi lepak sebelah pintu. Dok menyembang dengan Amirul TA kat Malaysia. Kat Batam jurucakapnya adalah Pipid dan Amirul tukang ambil gambar atau jika ada masalah timbul bagitahu Amirul. Jenuh dia melayan posing achik-achik warga emas semua ni yang romantikus masa berjalan. Banyak couple warga emas dalam trip kali ini tapi walaupun warga emas tapi depa jalan laju.....aku yang terhegeh-hegeh ikut depa. Yang muda macam wan dan man berapa kerat je. Ada juga Datuk daripada Melaka. Kita orang tak tahu rupanya ada datuk dalam kalangan kami. Tapi dia humble je. Bawa mem besar jenjalan. 

 

Dalam muzium. Ni ambil gambar dari dalam group

Rupanya kata mereka yang masuk. Mula-mula naik tangga tapi bila masuk ke dalam macam turun tangga balik. Tapi bangunan dia unik.

                                                        Posing sebelum ke tempat lain

Penjual depan muzium. Suka dia bila aku kata nak ambil gambar dia.

 Aku tak beli tapi minta izin ambil gambo. Dan minta maaf sebab tak membeli jajan jualan dia. Dia kata takpe. Semuga laris jualannya ye. Aamiin