Preserving our identity

The Jakarta Post

There are many interesting stories about the history and heritage of Indonesia and its people.

The National Museum, better known as Museum Gajah in Jakarta, is a place filled with history and heritage. It got its name from the bronze elephant statue placed in front of the museum.

This museum has over 100,000 historical artifacts and monuments that reveal a lot about Indonesia's past. These pieces come from various periods in Indonesian history. They vary from the prehistoric to 800,000 years ago.

Fine ethnographic and prehistoric objects found in the museum are very important treasures that must be preserved carefully. They are all unique and have their own distinctive origins.

The interesting thing is that these items come from different cultures, which proclaim strongly the diversity of this country.

Indonesian culture is reflected in the displays of stone sculptures and clothing. Replicas of the houses in different parts of the country can also be seen.

Now, why is it important to preserve our national heritage?

The past helps us to understand who we are today and what Indonesia is. Most of us have turned our backs against the past and ignored it.

Technology helps us move forward faster -- but if we don't preserve our past we may lose our own identity.

Irene Ler

Secondary 2