Mis’ari Musa of Museum Bahari Jakarta (Jakarta Maritime Museum), on Community Leadership
Museum Bahari defines community leadership as collaboration rather than command. The museum sees itself not as an isolated institution but as a partner walking alongside communities to revive and protect maritime heritage. To address social challenges in Jakarta’s coastal areas, the museum creates spaces for dialogue and builds broad networks. Collaborations with universities such as these bring academic perspectives, while cultural initiatives like the Crimson Gilt exhibition connect local stories to global audiences. To strengthen local maritime identity, Museum Bahari focuses on storytelling. Programs like MLeads (Museum for Local Economic Development and Social Changes) help present powerful narratives—from the grandeur of Sriwijaya to the craftsmanship of the Pinisi ship—convincing younger generations that maritime heritage is part of the nation’s living DNA. Examples of inclusive leadership include the creation of a Disability Corner and Route Map, tactile ship models with Braille, and Virtual Reality experiences. These initiatives ensure that history is accessible to all, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to inclusivity. On a global level, maritime museums act as bridges between past wisdom and future sustainability. Museum Bahari emphasizes that artifacts demonstrate how ancestors used the sea responsibly, reminding the world that cultural heritage and ecological health are inseparable. Finally, lessons from international institutions inspire innovation. By adopting spatial design technology and educational QR codes, Museum Bahari transforms its community programs into interactive, immersive experiences that resonate with younger, digital-native audiences.