South Kalimantan offers not only captivating natural scenery but also a rich cultural heritage. One of the must-visit destinations here is the Lambung Mangkurat Museum in Banjarbaru City.
This museum is more than just an exhibition space; it’s a place that preserves the history, culture, and natural wealth of South Kalimantan, passed down from generation to generation.
Uncovering the Meratus Mountains Geopark
Lambung Mangkurat Museum is part of the Meratus Mountains National Geopark, which is being proposed for recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp).
The Meratus Mountains are renowned in the geological world for being formed from oceanic ophiolite crust that rose to the surface about 200 to 150 million years ago.
The museum’s collection highlights the beauty and uniqueness of Meratus, including ancient rocks and fossils that tell the long story of Earth’s formation.
The Historical Journey of Lambung Mangkurat Museum
The Lambung Mangkurat Museum was officially inaugurated on January 10, 1979, by the Minister of Education and Culture, Dr. Daoed Yoesoef.
However, its origins trace back to the Borneo Museum, established in Banjarmasin by the Dutch government in 1907.
After Indonesia’s independence, Governor Milono revived the Borneo Museum in 1955, renaming it the Kalimantan Museum.
In 1974, the Lambung Mangkurat Museum was built on a 1.6-hectare site at its current location, with the main building covering 1,000 square meters.
The museum’s architecture, resembling the traditional Banjar Bubungan Tinggi house, radiates the distinct cultural essence of South Kalimantan.
Fascinating Collections at Lambung Mangkurat Museum
The museum showcases a range of collections depicting the lives of the Banjar and Dayak people, two indigenous tribes of South Kalimantan.
Among the exhibits are relics from the Banjar Sultanate, such as a golden throne, royal umbrella, shields, spears, and a crown.
The museum also preserves artifacts from the Hindu-Buddhist era discovered at various archaeological sites across Kalimantan.
A unique item in the collection is a Malay-Arabic script Bible brought by the Dutch during their religious mission in the region, as well as the “katopong,” a crown used in Wayang Gungyang performances.
Each corner of the museum holds valuable stories that reflect the people’s lives, traditional tools, and the enduring wisdom passed down through generations.
Preserving Identity and Historical Heritage
Lambung Mangkurat Museum is not only a place of recreation but also a learning center that preserves South Kalimantan’s cultural and historical heritage for younger generations.
Here, visitors can learn about the identity and cultural values that form the foundation of South Kalimantan today.
Its collections enrich our knowledge of local history, geology, and way of life.
If you visit South Kalimantan, don’t miss Lambung Mangkurat Museum, which offers an opportunity to explore a past full of cultural and natural beauty.
This museum reminds us of the importance of preserving our ancestral heritage as an invaluable part of our identity.
