Surakarta can not be separated from "keris", since it used to be believed to render an extra power for its owner, mostly kings. So the existence of "Museum Keris Nusantara" which was inaugurated by President Jokowi on august 9, 2017 can be seen as an effort of goverment to maintain the understanding of "keris" as a cultural object.
The Indonesian "Keris" has been proclaimed by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, which was signed by its Director-General (at the time), Koichiro Matsuura, in Paris on November 25, 2005.
The presence of Nusantara Keris Museum in Surakarta is not only one of some efforts to preserve and maintain the continuity of Keris in Indonesia, but also as a new tourist attraction in the city.
The presence of Nusantara Keris Museum in Surakarta is not only one of some efforts to preserve and maintain the continuity of Keris in Indonesia, but also as a new tourist attraction in the city.
What is Keris?
Keris (or Kris), which made from a mixture of some metals, is a traditional Indonesian weapon and it has played an important role in human life for a long time. It is considered as a weapon, a sacred object and also as a completeness tool in religious and traditional ceremonies. Keris is truly part of Indonesian culture.
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| Keris Nagasasra |
How to pass down a Keris?
As a sacred object, keris is passed down from a father to his decendant. Sunan Pakubuwono V (Ruler of Surakarta) bequeathed sacred objects when he was still in reigning by writting a testament. He gave his sons keris and spears while his daughters only received keris.
Users of Keris
In Indonesia, keris used to have a function as a weapon owned by all adult men. Keris coudn't be separated by its owner. Used widely in the area of Java, Madura, Bali, Sumatra, Lombok and Sulawesi. Keris was part of personal completeness of soul and physic for its owner. It meant keris wouldn't be separated, and value as someone's soul and body. Other weapons could be left behind, but keris would be brought by the owner wherever he went.
Keris as an accessory
Presently, keris is mostly used as an accessory in traditional Indonesian outfit, it also has some cultural symbols and a worth collecting object which has artistic value.
Museum Keris Nusantara
Location
Jalan Bhayangkara 2, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
Opening hours
Tuesday to Thursday 09.00 am - 03.00 pm
Friday 08.30 am - 11.00 pm
Saturday 09.00 am - 03.00 pm
Sunday 09.00 am - 01.00 pm
Monday closed
Admission fee
Weekdays
General IDR 7.5k (USD 0.60)
Student IDR 5k (USD 0.40)
On holidays
General IDR 10k (USD 0.75)
Student IDR 7.5k (USD 0.60)