Cultural Strategy and Regional Museum Construction during the New Order Era, 1975-1990

The transition of power from Guided Democracy government (1959-1966) to the New Order government (1966-1998) in Indonesia was colored by unstable social and political conditions. One of the political circumstances was a confrontation with Malaysia in 1963-1966. The New Order government actually had a relationship with the Western countries and Malaysia as its nearest neighbour. Differences in view of each regime affected all policies, one of which was in the field of culture. This study was using the qualitative approach and historical method, including by searching the library materials and primary sources in the ANRI (Arsip Nasional Republik Indonesia or National Archive of the Republic of Indonesia) in Jakarta. Contemporary newspapers were also needed for writing materials, especially regarding the transfer of power from Old Order government to New Order government (1966-1968) in Indonesia. This study showed that in the eraly period, the New Order government erased community memories of Guided Democracy government legacies, in particular the influence of the PKI (Partai Komunis Indonesia or Indonesian Communist Party), and built a calm community memory through the museums. The study also showed that the period of Guided Democracy government (1959-1966), culture was used to support the course of the revolution. One of the cultural policies during the New Order period (1966-1998) was the rehabilitation and construction of a regional museum that was carried out in the PELITA (Pembangunan Lima Tahun or Five Year Development Plan) II in 1975 to 1995. Finally, the purpose of the establishment of a regional museum in every Province in Indonesia was to erase memories of Communism and build memories of the struggle to reach the New Order government to support the development in Indonesia.