Jakarta, [19 September 2024] – MUSEUM FORWARD, an international Forum in the field of museums and heritage in Indonesia, will be held over four days in Jakarta, from 23-26 September 2024. This event brings together museum and cultural heritage practitioners from Indonesia and around the world, providing an opportunity for sharing best practice and discussing fundamental issues for the museum and cultural leaders of tomorrow. While the Forum embraces a diversity of contemporary cultural initiatives, knowledge exchange will focus on curatorial practice and public engagement in Indonesia and the global museum landscape today.
MUSEUM FORWARD is organized by EUNIC Indonesia, the network of the European Union National Institute of Culture, in collaboration with ICOM International Committees (INTERCOM, ICTOP, ICOMON, MPR, ICOM Croatia and the Castle of Trakoscan, Croatia) and with the support of ICOM-SAREC, the Indonesia Hidden Heritage Creative Hub (IHH Creative Hub), and Program Chair, Farah Wardani. The Forum will be held at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), on the 3rd floor of the BJ Habibie Building located on Jl. MH Thamrin No. 8, Central Jakarta.
MUSEUM FORWARD will explore approaches and opportunities for international collaboration around innovative and sustainable museum and heritage practices, highlighting the wider social and cultural utilization of historic sites and collections. Co-President of EUNIC Cluster Indonesia Charlotte Esnou stated: “The Forum aims to identify the potential for developing new ways of presenting cultural heritage by exploring current global visions, best practices, and standards within the international museum landscape at a time when cultural institutions worldwide are reimagining their roles and responsibilities. It will also provide Indonesian practitioners and policy makers with an opportunity to share their diverse histories and present the new approaches they have developed, addressing some of the broader issues and challenges, to colleagues from around the world.”
MUSEUM FORWARD is also intended as a response to the amalgamation of Indonesia’s major state museums into one integrated body – the Indonesian Heritage Agency, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). The proposed transformation and expansion of Indonesia’s museum sector will entail the production of better curatorial strategies, more sustainable operations, standardized collection and conservation management, and a more professionalized museum staff, while at the same time being mindful of the ways in which Indonesian museums fit into both local and global cultural ecosystems.
MUSEUM FORWARD is built upon the belief that museums and heritage sites are drivers of cultural investment, social advancement, value creation, knowledge production and intercultural exchange. The first of a planned annual program, MUSEUM FORWARD will contribute to the current local and global spheres of cultural development by examining how museum and heritage practice continues to play a significant role in societal development.
MUSEUM FORWARD will kick-off on the 23rd of September with a cultural tour for the international speakers and delegates to visit a number of museums in Jakarta and have a welcoming dinner at Jakarta City Hall. From 24-25 September, the Forum presents a two-day public conference aimed at a general audience that is open to the public, museum professionals, cultural communities, students, scholars, and museum enthusiasts. The conference will examine best practices, key issue areas, new narratives and critical issues
in the current global museum landscape that have particular relevance to Indonesia, while also embracing initiatives beyond government institutions to highlight contemporary cultural practices driven by independent agents, artists, curators and communities. Museum Forward brings together museum and cultural heritage practitioners from Indonesia and around the world, such as Dr. Manuel Rabate (Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi), Dr. Goranka Horjan ( Chair of ICOM INTERCOM), Dr Hilmar Farid (Director General of Culture, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia), and many more.
On the 26th September, the Forum will host a number of capacity building workshops that will provide training to key personnel and young museum professionals from Indonesia’s museum network as a contribution to capacity building needs in Indonesia. They will be led by ICOM’s international committees, (INTERCOM, ICTOP, ICOMON, MPR, ICOM Croatia and the Castle of Trakoscan, Croatia), focusing on sustainable leadership and funding, staff professional development, museum branding and communication. Other workshops will also be facilitated by EUNIC, inviting the experts to share their expertise and respond to a number of crucial topics in museum and heritage practices such as curatorship, conservation, community engagement, risk management or exhibition design.
MUSEUM FORWARD is designed to bring together a diverse and influential group of individuals and communities who are passionate about museums and heritage. Invited audience includes:
Museum Experts from Indonesia and the world: these esteemed professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and international perspectives, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. Around 200 Conference Participants: a vibrant mix of attendees, including museum professionals, cultural workers and enthusiasts, all eager to learn, share, and network.
Museum Professionals: experts dedicated to preserving and showcasing cultural heritage.
Policy Makers and Advisors: key influencers shaping the future of museums and heritage.
Independent Cultural Communities: creative groups offering innovative perspectives outside traditional institutions.
University Students/Academics: future leaders and researchers eager to engage with current industry trends.
Museum and Heritage Activists: advocates passionate about preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
ICOM Members: global professionals committed to advancing the museum sector.
By bringing together a diverse and dedicated group of participants, MUSEUM FORWARD aims to create a rich environment for dialogue, learning and collaboration, ultimately contributing to the advancement and sustainability of museums and heritage practices both in Indonesia and around the world.
