..:: Mandala Wangsit - OkeAja.Com ::..

Museum Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi

Bandung

Amongst the public facilities, a museum is an essential public facility that a city must have. According to the International Council of Museums (ICOM), a museum is an institution, which manages and exhibits a collection of artifacts that have scientific and or cultural value for research, education, and rec.rea:ti.on. As the capital of West Java Province, Bandung has a number of museums to visit. Museum Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi, located on JI. Lembong, is one of them.

On 23 May 1966, Pangdam (the Territorial Military Commander) III/Siliwanai VIII. Colonel Ibrahim Ajie, inaugurated the museum. Soon after, it was open to the public. The museum is basically devoted to the history and exploits of the West Java "Siliwangi" Military Division, which is based in Bandung.

The Siliwangi Military Division was founded on 20" May 1946 in Tasikmalaya, and led by ColonelA.H. Nasution, in orderto put down the rebellion that occurred in Java. The museum has an enormous collection of artifacts related to military combat, including weapons, military costumes, and pictures of the former Territorial Military Commander of Siliwangi. The museum also exhibits a collection of historical objects related to the struggle for Indonesian Independence. It also shows off an interesting set of old photographs, which depict National historical events that occurred during the struggle for Indonesian Independence, and during the extermination of rebels in Java. In the front courtyard, there are four cannons, a tank, an ambulance and an armored vehicle. Of course, each of these has an interesting history.

The museum's name is derived from the Sanskrit language. Mandala means place,and Wangsit means message or mandate. Although some parts of the building are not properly maintained, it is still worth a visit. It was built in the early part of the 20" century using a late romanticism architectural styl e to be used as the residence for a Dutch Officer. However, during the Indonesian Independence days, it was vacated. Then in 1949, the Siliwangi Troops occupied it, and sometime later it was selected as the first head quarters of the Siliwangi Division in Bandung.
During the rebellion against the Indonesian Government, which was led by Captain Raymond Westerling from APRA (Angkatan Perang Ratu Adil), the building was targeted. In that struggle, 79 TNI soldiers died, including MajorAdolfp Lembong.
In 1979, the museum was renovated. An upper floor was added. Shortly after, the Territorial Military Commander of Siliwangi XIV, Major Genera_l Yoga Sugama, together with former President Soeharto, officiated the reopening. On 10" November 1980, the museum was once again dedicated to the public.

This interesting museum is open for all to visit, every Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm. For those who would like to visit as a group, it is recommended to make an appointment first. It can be used as a recreational venue to conduct seminars, training courses, or social occasions. Museum Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi is an important part of Indonesia's National history, therefore anyone who is interested in military and Indonesian National history, should pay a visit.