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SINDIKASI Media Network (SMN) and de Braga by ARTOTEL visited the Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) Museum in Bandung as part of a series of explorations of historical and cultural destinations in the Braga area. This activity aimed to strengthen historical literacy while introducing the potential of heritage tourism, a major attraction in Bandung.
During the visit, the group was invited to explore the historic journey of the Asia-Africa Conference, which took place from April 18–24, 1955, at Gedung Merdeka.
Through an educational tour guided by museum educators, participants gained an understanding of the background of the conference, Indonesia’s role as host, and the spirit of solidarity among Asia and Africa countries in the struggle for independence, peace, and international cooperation.
The guide explained that the Asia-Africa Conference was the first international conference to bring together 29 Asia and Africa countries. At that time, Indonesia collaborated with India, Pakistan, Burma (now Myanmar), and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) as sponsors to organize this historic meeting. The conference emerged amidst a global situation still marked by colonialism, racial discrimination, and the impact of World War II, thus becoming a significant milestone in the rise of Asia and Africa nations.
During their time at the museum, participants observed various authentic collections, ranging from journalistic equipment used by journalists in 1955, documentation of preparations for the Asia-Africa Conference, to photographs of the renovation of Gedung Merdeka and the Bandung area leading up to the conference.
The guide also explained the renaming of Jalan Raja Timur to Jalan Asia Afrika, a historical marker of the conference’s establishment, which transformed Bandung into a center of global diplomacy.
The group then entered the Gedung Merdeka Conference Hall, where the opening and closing ceremonies of the Asian-African Conference took place.
In this historic room, participants learned about the transformation of the building, which was originally a gathering place for the Dutch community during the colonial era. It was then taken over after Indonesian independence and inaugurated by President Soekarno as Gedung Merdeka on April 8, 1955. The name was chosen to symbolize the nation’s freedom from colonial rule.
This visit is part of de Braga by ARTOTEL’s commitment to providing a stay experience connected to the rich history and culture of the Braga area. Located just steps from the Asia-Africa Conference Museum, the hotel encourages guests to not only enjoy the comfort of its accommodations but also explore the various historical sites that define Bandung.
For Sindikasi Media Network, the visit provides an opportunity to strengthen public awareness of Indonesia’s historical heritage and highlight the potential of heritage tourism as a vital part of the national tourism ecosystem.
This collaboration between the media, the hospitality industry, and cultural institutions is expected to broaden public education about the values of the Asia-Africa Conference, which remains relevant today as a symbol of friendship, equality, and cooperation between nations. [traveltext.id]
