Bala Datu Ranga is a specialized museum located in Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The museum was established as a program of the Datu Ranga Abdul Majid Daeng Matutu Foundation, based on a historic building that once served as the residence of Datu Ranga, the last Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Sumbawa.
The Bala Datu Ranga building itself is a traditional Sumbawan stilt house, constructed in 1886, and designated as an important cultural heritage site due to its strong historical and philosophical values. The structure reflects symbolic elements of the life and worldview of the Samawa indigenous community.
Type and Management of the Museum
Bala Datu Ranga is classified as a specialized museum, meaning its focus is dedicated to a specific theme that represents cultural heritage, local history, and the heirloom collections of the Datu Ranga Abdul Majid Daeng Matutu family.
The museum building, which is a culturally significant stilt house, holds high historical value. As such, the museum functions not only as an exhibition space but also as an authentic learning center for the history and culture of Sumbawa.
The museum is owned by the Datu Ranga Abdul Majid Daeng Matutu Foundation and is directly managed by Yuli Andari Merdikaningtyas, M.A., who is responsible for museum operations, conservation of heirloom collections, development of public programs, and collaboration with various stakeholders for cultural development.
The management of the museum also involves cooperation with local communities, academics, and cultural stakeholders to strengthen the museum’s role as an interactive and educational space.
History of Bala Datu Ranga
The building that now houses Bala Datu Ranga was originally the residence of Datu Ranga Abdul Majid Daeng Matutu, an important figure in the history of the Sultanate of Sumbawa in the early 20th century. This traditional stilt house was built in 1886 and has been preserved across generations as a symbol of the continuity of Samawa cultural heritage.
On March 20, 2022, through a Decree issued by the Head of the Foundation, Bala Datu Ranga was officially designated as a museum, managed for the purposes of cultural preservation, strengthening local history, and advancing cultural development in the Sumbawa region.
Since then, the museum has continued to transform from a family legacy into a public institution that promotes historical literacy, cultural awareness, and Samawa local identity through modern approaches.
Museum Collections
Bala Datu Ranga holds at least three main collections consisting of family heirlooms and cultural artifacts inherited from the Sultanate of Sumbawa. The building itself is considered one of the most historically significant collections within the museum.
The Bala Datu Ranga structure carries strong symbolic meaning, as it is supported by teakwood pillars that reflect religious values and local cultural philosophy.
Vision of Bala Datu Ranga
The vision of Bala Datu Ranga is to become a museum that collects, preserves, protects, researches, disseminates information, and educates the public about local history and Sumbawa cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, through innovative and inclusive methods.
This vision reflects the museum’s commitment not only to preserving physical collections but also to strengthening local cultural identity in the modern era and promoting values of tolerance and cultural diversity.
Mission of Bala Datu Ranga
Bala Datu Ranga carries out several strategic missions, including:
- Collecting cultural artifacts or heirlooms from the Datu Ranga family, whether complete or fragmentary, as long as they possess historical significance.
- Conducting collection inventory and accepting donations or adoption of cultural objects relevant to the museum’s focus.
- Researching and contextualizing collections within specific study themes, including their relation to the 10 Cultural Advancement Objects and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Disseminating research findings through publications, exhibitions, audiovisual media, performances, and artistic works.
- Collaborating with various parties to promote cultural advancement and strengthen sustainable development goals.
- Creating inclusive, creative, and innovative programs to ensure the museum reaches and engages all segments of society.
Museum programs continue to develop through public activities that combine education, cultural training, and digital innovation, aimed at attracting younger generations.
The Role of the Museum in Education and Tourism
Bala Datu Ranga serves as a learning space for history, culture, and local identity of Sumbawa, while also functioning as a compelling cultural tourism destination, particularly for students, researchers, academics, and travelers interested in understanding the heritage of the Sultanate of Sumbawa.
Through educational methods, meaningful collections, and inclusive programs, the museum contributes to the preservation of local culture and the development of communities that value history and cultural diversity.
