Indonesian Kites Museum: A Unique Cultural Museum in Jakarta
The Indonesian Kites Museum (Museum Layang-Layang Indonesia) is a special museum located in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta, officially registered in the National Museum Registry (Pendaftaran Museum Nasional) under number 31.74.K.06.0099 and part of the Museum Indonesia network. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing a diverse collection of kites, reflecting both Indonesian traditional culture and global kite heritage.
What Is the Indonesian Kites Museum?
Founded by passionate kite enthusiast Endang Ernawati (Endang W. Puspoyo), the museum began from her extensive kite collection and involvement in kite culture since the 1980s. It was officially opened on March 21, 2003, by Indonesia’s then Minister of Culture and Tourism, I Gede Ardika.
The museum serves as an educational space where children, families, and cultural enthusiasts can learn about traditional and modern kites from Indonesia and around the world.
Type & Museum Classification
The Indonesian Kites Museum is categorized as a special museum, Type C, emphasizing its specific focus on kite culture and history. It is owned and managed by the museum’s foundation under the leadership of its founder.
Management & Ownership
The museum is owned by Endang Ernawati and operated by the Indonesian Kites Museum organization. As a registered museum, it contributes to cultural preservation and public education about kite traditions and artistic expression.
History of the Museum
The museum was established out of concern for the fading traditional kite culture. Endang began collecting kites since 1980 and later founded Merindo Kite & Gallery in 1985. Her dedication eventually led to the formal establishment of the Indonesian Kites Museum in 2003, offering a permanent space to celebrate kite culture.
Collections
The museum’s collection includes hundreds of kites of various sizes and types, featuring Indonesian traditional kites as well as kites from foreign countries such as Turkey, Japan, the Netherlands, and others. These artefacts illustrate artistic creativity and cultural diversity in kite making.
Vision & Mission
The museum’s vision is to preserve traditional Indonesian kite culture and keep it relevant for future generations. Its mission includes raising awareness about kite heritage, teaching kite making, and encouraging creativity and exploration of kite functions beyond play, such as symbolic and cultural meanings.
Educational Role
Besides displaying collections, the museum offers interactive activities such as kite-making workshops, painting sessions, and audiovisual presentations that enrich visitors’ understanding and engagement. It serves as both cultural preservation and educational entertainment space.
