Collections Razed in Maritime Museum Bahari Fire Uninsured

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The official at the maritime museum Bahari said that the historical collections that were destroyed by the fire were not insured. The museum was partially engulfed in the fire yesterday, Jan. 16.

According to the Head of Bahari Museum Technical Management Unit Husnison Nizar, it was only the museum building that was insured.

The fire at the A and C section of the building was first seen by museum employees. The fire was suspected to be caused by a short circuit at building C, which eventually spread to the building A.

Read: Jakarta Maritime Museum Closed for Public

and: 5 Facts of Jakarta`s Bahari Museum

“We are still waiting for the official police investigation, but an employee witnessed the short circuit,” saidHusnison Nizar in a phone interview on Wednesday, January 2018.

Husnison said that the loss caused by the fire is inestimable considering that the collections were not insured. “We can’t calculate it since [material] culture is invaluable,” he said.

Regarding the items inside it, museum management is working together with construction experts, electrical experts, and cultural experts to decide the next step that will be taken in handling the burned collections.

“Yes, we will study it further. As for replicas, we can make them. But we’re not sure about the authentic collections,” said Husnison.

The Bahari Museum is expected to be closed for the following day or two.

FADIYAH | TD