The De Javasche Bank Museum in Surabaya offers an in-depth insight into the history of Indonesian banking, complete with a variety of cultural attractions, exciting activities and complete facilities for visitors.
De Javasche Bank Museum in Surabaya is a must-visit for history and economics enthusiasts. Founded during the Dutch colonial era, De Javasche Bank played an important role in the Indonesian banking system, from issuing money to managing monetary policy.
This museum presents various important information regarding the long journey of banking in Indonesia, which began in the 19th century and continues to develop until now.
Not only about banking, this museum also offers an in-depth experience of economic history, culture and life during the colonial period.
In this article, we will review more deeply about De Javasche Bank Museum, covering the main attractions in it, the address and route to the museum, entrance ticket prices, operating hours, interesting activities to do, and facilities available for visitor convenience.
Let’s start the journey to learn more about this museum that holds important history for the Indonesian nation.
A Glimpse of the De Javasche Bank Museum
The De Javasche Bank Museum is located in a historic building that was once the head office of De Javasche Bank, a banking institution founded in 1828 by the Dutch colonial government.
At that time, this bank played a very important role in regulating the economy and financial system in the Dutch East Indies, including in printing money and monetary management.
If you’re exploring Things to do in Surabaya, visiting this historical landmark offers a fascinating insight into the city’s colonial economic history and its significant role in shaping the region’s financial system.
The building that is now a museum was built in the 1860s with a magnificent and elegant colonial architectural design.
After years of operating as a bank, in 1991, the building was converted into a museum that houses various historical collections related to the history of Indonesian banking and also the important role of De Javasche Bank in the development of the Indonesian economy.
This museum displays various important collections, such as historical archives, banking documents, and a collection of ancient money used during the colonial period.
With all these collections, this museum not only provides information about economic history, but also about how the Indonesian banking and financial system developed from the colonial period to post-independence.
Attractions at the De Javasche Bank Museum
1. Interesting Historical Buildings
One of the main attractions of the De Javasche Bank Museum is the historic building that is used as the museum’s location. The building is designed in a magnificent Dutch colonial architectural style, with elegant ornaments and a striking facade.
Entering this museum, visitors will feel the nuances of the past, as if in colonial times. The interior, with classic moldings and artistic details in every corner, greatly enriches the historical experience inside.
In addition, the parts of this building that are still well maintained make this museum an important attraction in the context of Indonesian architectural history.
2. Collection of Ancient Money and Antiques
This museum has a very rich collection of ancient money, including money that was once issued by De Javasche Bank and the Dutch colonial government.
Visitors can see how the shape and design of money changed over time, reflecting the economic conditions and banking developments in Indonesia at that time.
In addition to money, there is also a collection of banking antiques, such as money counting machines, money printing tools, and office equipment used in the colonial era.
All of these collections provide an overview of how banking activities were carried out in the past, as well as the technology used to support bank operations.
3. Exhibition of Documentation of Indonesian Banking History
One of the big attractions of the De Javasche Bank Museum is the exhibition of documentation of Indonesian banking history that is housed within it.
The exhibition includes various historical photographs, important documents, and related archives that illustrate the journey of the banking system in Indonesia, from the colonial era to independence.
This exhibition provides visitors with in-depth insight into how De Javasche Bank played a vital role in regulating Indonesian finances at that time, as well as how the bank became one of the leading financial institutions in Southeast Asia.
4. Reconstruction of Historical Workspace
The De Javasche Bank Museum also features a reconstruction of a workspace depicting how the De Javasche Bank office was during the colonial era. Visitors can see how bank employees worked in an office space equipped with traditional equipment used at that time.
Desks, filing cabinets, and other historical documents are carefully arranged to provide an idea of the working atmosphere at that time. This is one of the best ways to experience how the banking world operated in Indonesia in the past.
5. Interactive Exhibition and Financial Education
Not only presenting static collections, the De Javasche Bank Museum also has interactive exhibitions that allow visitors to understand the banking system in a more fun and educational way.
The exhibition includes simulations on how banks operate, the history of money, and how the Indonesian economy developed from the colonial period to independence.
This exhibition is perfect for students, college students, and anyone interested in learning more about economics, history, and how banking affects the social and economic life of a country.
Route to De Javasche Bank Museum Surabaya
De Javasche Bank Museum is located in the center of Surabaya, making it easy for visitors to access it. Here is the complete address of the museum. De Javasche Bank Museum, Jl. Pahlawan No. 1, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.
To get to this museum, you can use several types of transportation that are easy to reach:
If you are using public transportation, you can take a city bus with routes that pass through the Pahlawan area in Surabaya, such as routes 01, 04, and 06. After getting off at the nearest bus stop, you only need to walk a few minutes to the museum.
Museo De Javasche Bank is very easy to reach by private vehicle or taxi. The museum is located in the center of Surabaya, and there are several parking lots available around the museum area.
However, on certain days, parking can be a bit limited, so be sure to arrive early or take a taxi for convenience.
For those of you who are around the downtown area of Surabaya, you can also walk or ride a bicycle to this museum. Its strategic location makes it easy for visitors who stay around hotels or shopping centers to access the museum on foot.
Entrance Ticket Prices and Operating Hours
De Javasche Bank Museum charges an affordable entrance fee for visitors. Here are the details of ticket prices and operating hours :
- Adult Ticket: Around Rp. 10,000 per person.
- Children and Student Tickets: Around Rp. 5,000 per person.
- Group Tickets: The museum also offers special ticket prices for groups, which are more affordable depending on the number of participants.
The museum is open daily from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays and some major holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and New Year.
Interesting Activities to Do at De Javasche Bank Museum
1. Observing the Collection of Ancient Money
One of the most interesting activities is to see the collection of ancient money issued by De Javasche Bank during the colonial period. Visitors can learn about the various types of money used at that time as well as changes in the Indonesian financial system.
2. Take a Guided Tour
The museum provides guided tours for visitors who wish to understand more deeply about the collections and history on display. This tour provides further information about De Javasche Bank’s role in Indonesian banking history.
3. Studying the History of Indonesian Banking
This museum is a great place to learn about the development of Indonesian banking, from the Dutch colonial era to post-independence. With in-depth exhibitions, visitors can understand the role of banking in the development of the country’s economy.
4. Take pictures with historical collections
This museum has many historical collections that are very interesting to use as photo spots, such as a collection of ancient money and money printing tools used in colonial times.
5. Understanding Indonesian Economic History
The educational exhibitions in this museum provide an opportunity for visitors to understand more about Indonesia’s economic history, as well as how banking plays a role in shaping Indonesia’s modern economy.
Facilities Available in the De Javasche Bank Museum Area
To ensure visitor comfort, this museum is equipped with various facilities, including:
There is a fairly large parking area around the museum area for private vehicles and motorbikes.
Surrounding the museum area are cafes and restaurants serving a variety of local and international dishes, ideal for relaxing after touring the museum.
Clean public toilet facilities and rest areas are also available inside the museum for the convenience of visitors.
An information center is available to assist visitors with maps, tour schedules and other necessary information.
The souvenir shop at the museum offers a variety of unique items and souvenirs related to the history of Indonesian banking and economics, perfect as keepsakes.
After exploring the museum, you can continue your journey by visiting Tourist Attractions in Banyuwangi, known for their breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
With all the attractions and facilities on offer, the De Javasche Bank Museum in Surabaya is an excellent destination to understand the history of Indonesian banking. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit and enjoy an extraordinary historical experience at this place.