Bandung Sea of Fire Exhibition Revives Traces of Struggle at Monpera Museum

Bandung is the capital of West Java, Indonesia, known as the “Paris of Java” for its colonial-era art deco architecture, vibrant creative scene, and cool highland climate. Historically, it gained prominence as a resort town for Dutch plantation owners and was the site of the pivotal 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, which united developing nations during the Cold War. Today, it is a major educational, technological, and fashion hub in the country.

The Monpera Museum, located in Palembang, Indonesia, is a monument and museum dedicated to the “Perjuangan Rakyat” (People’s Struggle). It was built to commemorate the heroic five-day battle of the people of South Sumatra against Dutch forces in January 1947. The museum’s name is an acronym for “Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat” and it houses dioramas, artifacts, and historical records from the region’s fight for independence.

“Bandung Lautan Api” (Bandung Sea of Fire) refers to a pivotal event in Indonesian history on March 24, 1946, during the nation’s struggle for independence. To prevent the city from being used by Dutch forces, Indonesian fighters and residents deliberately burned down much of southern Bandung before retreating. This act of sacrifice became a powerful symbol of national resistance and is immortalized in a famous Indonesian song of the same name.

The People’s Struggle Museum is a historical institution dedicated to documenting and commemorating the national liberation movements and anti-colonial resistance of its country. Its exhibits typically chronicle the history of popular uprisings, revolutionary figures, and the path to independence, often through artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays. The museum serves as an educational center to preserve the memory of the people’s collective fight for sovereignty and self-determination.

West Java is a province of Indonesia on the island of Java, historically home to the powerful Sunda Kingdom and later a core region of the Dutch East Indies. It is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage, including traditional Sundanese arts like *wayang golek* (wooden puppet theater) and *angklung* (bamboo musical instrument). The region’s landscape is dominated by the volcanic peaks of the Parahyangan highlands and features major cities like Bandung, known for its Dutch colonial architecture and as a center of education.