The UPT Museum Asi Mbojo is a public museum located in Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This institution occupies the historic former Asi Mbojo Palace, once the royal center of the Bima Sultanate, and now serves as a cultural heritage museum preserving the history and traditions of the Bima people.
The museum allows visitors to experience a blend of cultural storytelling and historical education through its collections and exhibits that reflect the identity and legacy of the region.
Museum Type and Management
UPT Museum Asi Mbojo is classified as a general museum (Type C), indicating a regional focus with cultural and educational functions suitable for local heritage preservation and public learning.
The museum is owned by the Government of Bima Regency and managed by the Department of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports of Bima Regency as a Technical Implementation Unit (UPT). This structure supports community engagement and cultural development initiatives.
The History of UPT Museum Asi Mbojo
The building that houses the museum originally served as the Palace of the Bima Sultanate, constructed between 1927 and 1930 by architect Rehatta from Ambon, blending European and local architectural styles.
In 1989, the palace was officially transformed into the Museum Asi Mbojo to preserve royal artifacts and educate the public about Bima’s past. Later renovations and collection reorganization took place in 1997, and in 2009 the museum became an official regional technical unit under local cultural governance.
Vision The UPT Museum Asi Mbojo
The museum’s vision is:
To be a centre of historical and cultural information and a source of character education.
This reflects the museum’s desire to contribute to historical awareness and cultural appreciation.
Mission The UPT Museum Asi Mbojo
To support its vision, the museum pursues the following missions:
- To offer opportunities for community members, museum enthusiasts, and cultural communities to help advance the museum as a cultural development hub.
- To enhance the museum’s role in public education about history and culture.
- To strengthen the museum’s ability to fulfill its educational and preservation duties.
- To foster better collaboration between local government and museum management for sustainable operations.
Educational and Tourism Role
UPT Museum Asi Mbojo houses historical artefacts, such as royal crowns, traditional weapons, and ceremonial attire, that tell the story of the Bima Sultanate, making the museum a compelling destination for cultural heritage tourism.
Located in the former palace, visitors can enjoy a rich historical narrative woven through both the architecture and the exhibitions, experiencing firsthand the cultural legacy of the Bima people.
