The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), has supported the launch of “Koleksi Jakarta,” a new digital platform created in partnership with the Jakarta Provincial Department of Culture and Southeast Asia Museum Services (SEAMS). Unveiled at the Jakarta History Museum on June 30, the platform provides online access to more than 1,400 digitally documented artifacts and over 1,500 cataloged objects from 11 museums across Jakarta. By bringing these collections together in a single portal, the initiative enables users to explore the city’s cultural heritage anytime and from anywhere.
The platform represents a major improvement in public access to museum collections, which previously could only be viewed through on-site visits. Visitors can now browse a diverse range of artifacts, from maritime relics at the Maritime Museum to well-known cultural icons such as the Unyil puppet at the Wayang Museum and ondel-ondel figures at the Betawi Museum. Each object is accompanied by standardized catalog information developed according to international museum documentation practices established by the Getty Conservation Institute, enhancing both accessibility and educational value.
Koleksi Jakarta is the outcome of the Koleksi Kita initiative, launched in 2024 to document, catalog, and digitize thousands of museum collections. The U.S. Embassy’s AFCP played a central role in supporting the project as part of the United States’ broader commitment to preserving cultural heritage worldwide. U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Jamie Ravetz said the initiative demonstrates how international collaboration, digital innovation, and museum best practices can expand public access while strengthening long-term preservation efforts. Head of the Jakarta Culture Office, Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, added that the platform is an important milestone in Jakarta’s digital transformation, reinforcing museums as centers of learning for both local and global audiences.
The launch also forms part of preparations for Jakarta’s 500th anniversary, highlighting the growing role of digital technology in preserving and sharing cultural knowledge. Officials expect the platform to encourage greater public engagement with Jakarta’s museum collections while ensuring that museums remain relevant in the digital era. Beyond improving access, the initiative is intended to strengthen appreciation of the city’s cultural heritage and promote international collaboration in museum management. The Koleksi Jakarta platform is now publicly available, providing a new gateway for anyone interested in exploring Jakarta’s history and culture.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
