What Is Badau Museum?
Badau Museum is officially listed in the National Museum Registration of Indonesia and is part of the Museum Indonesia network. Located in Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, it serves as a cultural institution preserving historical objects and narratives related to the Badau Kingdom and local heritage.
Museum Category & Type
According to official classification, Badau Museum is:
- A Special Museum, focusing on a specific historical theme — the legacy of the Badau Kingdom.
- Type C Museum, indicating its role in disseminating cultural knowledge and local history.
As a special museum, it highlights particular aspects of Belitung’s past rather than a broad national overview.
Ownership & Management
Badau Museum is owned by the Government of Belitung Regency and managed by the Cultural and Tourism Office of Belitung Regency.
This structure ensures the museum remains accessible to the public and serves educational as well as cultural preservation purposes.
History of the Museum
The museum was established in 1989 to preserve the artifacts and history of the Badau Kingdom, a local polity that existed in Belitung from the 15th century. Its first ruler was Datuk Dalung Moyang Gersik, and the kingdom’s influence once extended to surrounding areas such as Buding and Gantung.
Badau Museum stands today as a repository of tangible heritage from this historic era.
Museum Collections
The museum’s collection includes historic objects that reflect the cultural and societal aspects of the Badau Kingdom, such as ancient weapons, traditional garments, and ceremonial items that illustrate local life centuries ago. One highlighted artifact is the Tombak Berlek 13, an iconic spear linked to the kingdom’s legacy.
Vision of the Museum
Badau Museum’s vision is to be a center for civilization information, scientific learning, recreation, and heritage preservation — helping to strengthen cultural identity and historical understanding.
Mission of the Museum
To fulfill this vision, its mission includes:
- Improving professional capacity of museum staff.
- Encouraging public appreciation of local history and culture.
- Establishing the museum as a tourist destination that is both educational and engaging for visitors.
