On the banks of the Mahakam River in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan, stands Mulawarman Museum, a silent witness to the glory of the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom.
This museum is more than just a building displaying historical artifacts; it’s a window into the history, culture, and life of the ancestors of East Kalimantan.
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A Historical Journey Through Each Collection
Mulawarman Museum holds over 5,300 collections that tell the long story of the Kutai Kingdom.
The museum is named after King Mulawarman, the wise ruler of the Kutai Martadipura Kingdom, known for his leadership and wisdom.
The collection is diverse, featuring the throne, royal attire, royal bed, spears, daggers, and necklaces once part of the daily life of kings and nobles.
One of the most remarkable pieces is the yupa inscription, the oldest artifact inscribed with Pallava script, proving the existence of the Kutai Kingdom in the 4th century.
There are also collections of ulap doyo woven textiles, traditional Dayak fabric woven with a unique technique, as well as various artifacts from the Hindu-Buddhist period found across Kalimantan.
The museum also showcases ceramics from China, Japan, Europe, and Thailand, depicting Kutai’s international trade relations in the past.
In front of the museum stands a replica of Lembu Suana, the emblem of the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom, which also serves as the museum’s icon.
There’s also a dragon-shaped pond symbolizing protection and life guardianship, according to the mythology of the Kutai people.
Architectural Splendor and Cultural Significance
The building housing Mulawarman Museum is the former Kutai Kartanegara palace, predominantly white and featuring traditional Dayak architectural designs.
It was built in 1935 by Holland Beton Maatschappij (HBM) during the reign of Sultan Adji Muhammad Parikesit and still retains the architectural characteristics of East Kalimantan.
Inside, there’s the Bleh Peteh room, specifically reserved for Dayak Kenyah nobility, as well as traditional statues used in Dayak death ceremonies.
At the museum entrance, visitors are greeted by statues of the lembu (ox), crocodile, and pesut (river dolphin), symbols of the kingdom that enrich the cultural value of the museum.
Every detail in the architecture and ornaments of Mulawarman Museum reflects the cultural and spiritual values passed down among the Kutai people.
Entrance Fees and Directions to Mulawarman Museum
Visiting the museum is very affordable. Adult entry is only Rp 2,500, while children’s tickets are Rp 1,000.
For visitors from outside Tenggarong, the museum is about 3.3 kilometers from the city center and can be reached in around eight minutes.
From Balikpapan, the museum is approximately 134.7 kilometers away, or about a 2.5-hour drive via the Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road.
In Conclusion: Tracing the Footsteps of Kutai Kartanegara
Mulawarman Museum is more than just an exhibition space; it’s a place where visitors can intimately experience the culture and history that shaped East Kalimantan.
Each corner of the museum tells a story, inviting us to journey back in time to explore the lives of ancestors rich in tradition and wisdom.
For anyone who visits, Mulawarman Museum offers a unique experience to understand and appreciate the history of a great kingdom on the island of Kalimantan.
