What Is Museum Etnografi Sendawar?
Museum Etnografi Sendawar is a cultural museum located in West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, serving as an important center for the preservation and education of traditional cultures, especially those of the Dayak people and other local ethnic groups. It is part of the Museum Indonesia network and officially participates in the Museum Registrationsystem under national museological standards.
The museum provides a comprehensive portrayal of ethnographic heritage and offers educational experiences to visitors, researchers, and students.
Museum Category & Type
According to available information, Museum Etnografi Sendawar is classified as a general ethnographic museum focused on culture and history, with collections representing various traditional communities of Kalimantan.
It functions as a specialized cultural museum that supports cultural education, preservation, and understanding of the diversity of ethnic groups.
Management & Ownership
The museum was established based on a regional government regulation (Peraturan Bupati Nomor 06 Tahun 2010) and is managed by the Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) under the Department of Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports of West Kutai Regency. Management tasks include maintaining collections, organizing exhibitions, and engaging the public in cultural education.
History of the Museum
Museum Etnografi Sendawar was founded in 2010 as the first cultural museum in West Kutai, aimed at safeguarding the ethnographic heritage of the region. Since then, it has functioned as a dynamic educational space highlighting the traditions and history of indigenous ethnic groups in Kalimantan.
Museum Collections
The museum’s museum collections consist of more than 188 cultural artifacts from six key sub-ethnic groups within the Dayak community and neighboring populations, including:
- Traditional items and crafts from Dayak Tunjung, Benuaq, Bahau, Aoheng, Kenyah, and Melayu.
- Traditional weapons and household tools.
- Musical instruments and ritual accessories.
- Agricultural equipment and historical ornaments.
These collections offer a tangible insight into the daily life, ceremonies, and cultural practices of local ethnic communities.
Vision of the Museum
The museum’s vision is to be a leading center for the preservation and presentation of Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage, particularly the traditions of Kalimantan’s ethnic groups, delivered in an engaging and educational format.
Mission of the Museum
To achieve this vision, the museum aims to:
- Collect, care for, and preserve cultural heritage materials from indigenous communities.
- Present cultural knowledge to the public through exhibitions and educational programs.
- Encourage community participation in heritage preservation.
- Expand public access through digital documentation of collections.
- Promote cultural awareness, national pride, and appreciation for local identities.
