Inside Bandung, where Indonesia’s Africa story began
Seven decades after Bandung, Indonesia is seeking to keep its Asia-Africa legacy alive through stronger ties with Africa.
Bandung, Indonesia - Seven decades after the Asian-African Conference in Bandung challenged colonialism and demanded greater representation for newly independent nations, the city continues to serve as a symbol of the enduring relationship between Asia and Africa. The Museum of the Asian-African Conference, established in 1980, preserves the legacy of this pivotal event while actively promoting new ties between the continents.
Inside the museum, the original chairs, flags, photographs, and equipment used by the hundreds of journalists who traveled to Bandung in 1955 remain largely unchanged. These relics serve as reminders of the conference's lasting impact on diplomacy and international relations. For Kenyan journalists visiting the museum, the tangible connection to this historic event underscores the continued relevance of the principles that emerged from the conference: sovereignty, equality, peace, and cooperation.
The museum's director, Hilda Kurnia, emphasizes that the Bandung story is not merely a relic of Cold War history but a living testament to the relationship that Indonesian officials believe can still guide cooperation between Asia and Africa. She argues that the relationship should not remain confined to history books or museum displays but should be strengthened through people-to-people exchanges.
The museum's building itself offers a window into the historical transformation of the site. Originally constructed in 1921 as an exclusive social club for Dutch elites, the building, now known as Gedung Merdeka or Independence Building, was repurposed by the Indonesian government ahead of the 1955 conference. This symbolism underscores the museum's mission to connect the past with the present, demonstrating how a space of colonial privilege can become a stage for asserting independence and equality.
The museum also highlights the crucial role of journalism in shaping international understanding of the conference. In 1955, approximately 377 journalists traveled to Bandung to cover the gathering, using primitive but essential tools like cameras, typewriters, and teleprinters to report on the event. Their reports played a vital role in disseminating the conference's significance to audiences around the world.
Today, the museum seeks to inspire a new generation of journalists to carry forward the mission of disseminating knowledge and fostering international understanding. Visitors are encouraged to share the spirit of Bandung through their reporting, ensuring that the principles of sovereignty, equality, peace, and cooperation continue to shape the international order.
As Indonesia strives to deepen its engagement with Africa, the museum has become an important platform for promoting cultural exchange and educational opportunities. The museum receives around 80,000 visitors annually, with attendance peaking during busy periods such as weekends and school holidays. While African visitors represent a smaller share of the visitors, Indonesian officials recognize their importance in nurturing long-lasting ties between the continents.
Through partnerships with universities and student exchanges, the museum fosters connections between young Indonesians and Africans, further solidifying the legacy of the Asian-African Conference.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
