Education · September 2026
Danantara Indonesia Trust Expands Access to Cultural Learning Through the Danantara Library at the National Museum
Learning goes beyond the classroom. Open access to knowledge, reading, and cultural history plays an important role in helping young people develop the skills, perspectives, and values they need to shape the future.
In Indonesia, encouraging a reading culture and creating inclusive public learning spaces remain important priorities. UNESCO recognizes the role of literacy in supporting quality education, social participation, and people’s ability to navigate a changing world. By bringing education and culture together, public learning spaces can spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and deepen understanding of Indonesia’s cultural identity.
“Danantara Indonesia was founded not only to manage state assets and investments, but to contribute to Indonesia’s broader social progress. Through Danantara Indonesia Trust, we are extending our mission to strengthen human capital and address key social challenges, reflecting our belief that long-term value must go hand in hand with meaningful impact for our society.”
An Open Learning Space at the National Museum
To support these goals, Danantara Indonesia Trust (DIT), in partnership with the Museum and Cultural Heritage Agency (MCB / Indonesia Heritage Agency), officially opened the Danantara Library at the National Museum of Indonesia on September 25, 2026. The library is designed as an open-access knowledge hub that brings culture, education, and learning together in one space for the public.
It also adds to the museum’s educational experience through a range of collections, services, and public programs:
- A Rich Collection of History and Culture: The library houses more than 8,000 books covering cultural heritage, classical literature, and historical publications, including archival materials from the Bataviaasch Genootschap and Serat Centhini.
- Modern Library Services: Using the Senayan Library Management System (SLiMS) and an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), the library makes it easier for visitors to explore and search its collections digitally.
- A Comfortable and Well-Managed Visitor Experience: Visits are limited to a maximum of 20 people per hour through online registration. This helps maintain a comfortable environment for visitors while supporting the preservation of historical collections.
- A Space for Public Learning and Engagement: The library provides a venue for a range of educational activities, including book discussions, public lectures, and school visits. These programs are expected to serve the more than 700,000 people who visit the museum each year.
“The development of this library reflects MCB's commitment to ensuring that the Nusantara's heritage of knowledge continues to be studied and utilized inclusively. Through our strategic partnership with Danantara Indonesia Trust, we are modernizing facilities and enhancing services to make the National Museum of Indonesia's collections easily accessible to researchers, academics, and the general public. The presence of the Danantara Library also enriches visitors' experiences in exploring Indonesian history and cultural wealth more deeply.”
The Danantara Library aims to make learning and cultural knowledge more accessible to the public, especially young people. It offers a space to read, explore new ideas, and discover the roots of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
“Education and culture reinforce one another in building an independent and empowered society. Through the Danantara Library, we are creating a learning space where young people can broaden their knowledge, nurture their curiosity, and deepen their understanding of their cultural identity.”
Library Hours and Visitor Information
The Danantara Library welcomes the public free of charge via online registration:
- Location: 2nd Floor, Building B, National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta.
- Tuesday – Thursday: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM WIB (8 visiting sessions per day).
- Friday – Sunday: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM WIB (10 visiting sessions per day).
- Mondays & Public Holidays: Closed.