Mesium Islam Samudra Pasai

The Samudra Pasai Islamic Museum is a cultural institution established by the North Aceh district government with special autonomy funds between 2011 and 2016. Situated on approximately 500 m² of land, this two-story building features distinctive Samudra Pasai architectural ornamentation, resembling a royal palace of the past.

This museum was officially opened around mid-2017, the museum displays around 250-340 original artifacts from the Samudera Pasai kingdom from the 13th to the 16th century AD, ranging from the tombstone of Sultan Malik al-Saleh, dirhams and dinars, to ancient manuscripts, ceramics, jewelry, traditional tools to miniature ships and traditional weapons.

Museum visitors can join a guided tour of the collection before visiting the tomb complex of the Sultans and Sultanahs, including the tomb of Sultan Malik al-Saleh, and the nearby Samudra Pasai monument. In 2024, the museum received 11,000 visitors from various regions, most of whom were students and researchers interested in Islamic history in Southeast Asia. In addition to being a tourist attraction, the museum actively serves as an educational center through the Learning Together program for elementary and secondary schools.

The advantages I gained from the museum.

• Rich in historical value. The collection is very diverse and authentic, encompassing historical philology, numismatics, ethnography, fine art, and artifacts from the first Islamic mission in the archipelago.
• Educational facilities and guided tours. Guided tours provide in-depth and engaging historical context, highly beneficial for both students and researchers.
• Free admission. Free admission supports the accessibility of historical education to the wider public.
• Active digital management and promotion. The museum utilizes social and digital media to reach a wider audience and attract the interest of the younger generation.

shortcomings that I found in the museum.

• No revenue from admission. Although free admission generates high visitor numbers, the lack of revenue limits funds for collection maintenance.
• The courtyard is prone to flooding. During the rainy season, the museum courtyard and the area around the monument tower often flood, disrupting visitor comfort.
• Lack of technological interactivity. Currently, exhibitions tend to be passive, lacking elements like AR/VR for more modern interactive experiences.

Overall, I can say this about this museum: The Samudra Pasai Islamic Museum is a great place to learn about the early history of Islam in Indonesia. While there is still room for development, particularly in terms of interactive technology and funding, the museum remains a center for education, cultural tourism, and a source of pride for the people of North Aceh.

• Location: Beringen Village, Samudra District

• Location: Malikussaleh Street, Beuringen, Samudra Subdistrict

• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vrn46D3KxYBe4ZXx5