If you are lucky enough to be traveling to the Banda Islands, be sure to visit the Muzium Rumah Budaya . This small museum is located in the center of Naira town near the wharf and market. Owned by Yayasan Warisan Budaya Banda Naira (the Banda Culture and Heritage Foundation), this building was foundation president Des Alwi's childhood home, and has also served as a mosque in the past. It is now open to the public, and houses a small collection of historic artifacts.

In May - July 1998, 12 students from Banda's high school developed and installed a new exhibit about the history and archaeology of the islands, under the supervision of myself and biology teacher Syukani Thalib. This exhibit shows some of the artifacts unearthed during my 15 months of archaeological excavation, as well as historic artifacts owned by local people, photographs, historic maps and paintings. The students wrote the exhibit labels (in both Indonesian and English), and also recorded personal histories and myths, all to bring Banda's fascinating history to life.

The success of this project inspired us to set up a new organization dedicated to conduct future action projects like it--those that combine youth education with public service. Check out our organization web page for more information and current projects.

standing (l-r): Syaukani Thalib (teacher), Hayati Ismail, Erlin Kiat, Hastudi Abdullah, Isra Prasetya Idris, Yadi Sumitro Mohamad, Rinaldy Agung Saleh, Adi Hastudy Idris, Elfira Achir, Rusni Sidik
kneeling (l-r): Adi Sarmav Ibrahim, Fitra La Djaharia, Lukman Harun, Peter Lape

While some archaeological artifacts are on display in the Rumah Budaya, the vast majority of the collection (which is owned by the Indonesian government) is housed in a separate facility, the Departemen Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan (Department of Education and Culture) office in Banda Naira.