Visit Museum Campaign Followed Reluctantly

January 15, 2010 - The Visit Museum 2010 campaign launched by the Culture and Tourism Ministry at the end of last year has received a minimal response in Bali. Several museums observed by The Jakarta Post on Thursday have not yet drawn up any programs to support the campaign.

At the Renon, Denpasar-based Bajra Sandi Museum, also known as the Monument of the Balinese People's Struggle, there was only a small banner strung up near the entrance to inform people about the campaign. Museum employee Made Adi said he had not received any instructions from the museum board.

It was a similar scene at the Bali Museum, which houses several historical relics from across the island. The museum board has not put up any sign promoting the campaign.

Bali Tourism Agency promotions head I.G.N. Ambara said Visit Museum 2010, including activities held during the program, had not been officially launched in Bali, which boasts dozens of state and private museums. Ambara said his agency had been allocated Rp 4.1 billion this year, the same amount as last year, leaving no additional budget for the Visit Museum campaign. He added the agency was fully aware that museums were not a top tourism draw on the resort island.

Launched on Dec. 31, 2009, the campaign was part of the bigger Visit Indonesia campaign. It is aimed at increasing public appreciation of museums as part of the country's heritage, as well as drawing more tourists. The Visit Museum 2010 campaign also marks the start of the National Campaign to Love Museums, which runs from 2010 to 2014. Under the national campaign, officials hope to paint a new image of museums as less stuffy and more attractive.

Source: The Jakarta Post