HARIANEXPRESS – The Jakarta Maritime Museum Management Unit (UP) is hosting a temporary exhibition titled “From Batavia to Baitullah: Memories of Hajj in the Past” on Onrust Island. This exhibition, located in the Untung Jawa Islands Urban Village, South Thousand Islands, will run from August 21, 2026, to January 1, 2027. It offers visitors a deep dive into the historical Hajj journeys, emphasizing Onrust Island’s crucial role as a Hajj Quarantine Center.
Exploring Hajj History on Onrust Island
The exhibition provides insights into the history of Hajj journeys in the past, a period when sea travel was the main mode of transportation for pilgrims. Visitors can trace the long and challenging paths undertaken by those traveling from the Indonesian archipelago, or Nusantara, to the Holy Land.
Mis’ari, the Head of the Jakarta Maritime Museum UP, stated that Onrust Island played a significant part in the history of Hajj journeys in Indonesia. From 1911 to 1933, the island functioned as a Hajj Quarantine Center under the Dutch East Indies government, serving pilgrims both before their departure and after their return.
“Onrust Island was an important part of the history of hajj journeys in Indonesia. From 1911 to 1933, the island served as a Hajj Quarantine Center under the Dutch East Indies government, both before pilgrims departed and after they returned,” she said.
Mis’ari also mentioned that the exhibition is a collaborative effort involving various institutions from Indonesia and abroad. These partners include the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta’s Faculty of Adab and Humanities, and the University of Indonesia’s Department of Archaeology. Through its artifact collections, photo archives, and historical narratives, the exhibition aims to educate and bring historical journeys to life.
“Through artifact collections, photo archives, and historical narratives, we seek to bring memories of past hajj journeys back to life while introducing Onrust Island’s strategic role in the global maritime network,” she explained.
Onrust Island: A Hub of Culture and Knowledge
Purnomo, the Thousand Islands Assistant for Government and People’s Welfare, expressed his support for the exhibition. He believes it will effectively introduce Onrust Island’s history to a broader audience, providing a more in-depth understanding.
“This exhibition allows us to see the hajj journey as more than just a spiritual journey. It was also a long journey that brought together cultures and knowledge. Onrust Island holds a wealth of history that the younger generation needs to know,” he noted.
Purnomo emphasized that the exhibition offers a valuable learning opportunity for everyone. He encouraged the public to visit Onrust Island and explore the historical attractions of the Thousand Islands.
For those planning a visit, Purnomo highlighted that transportation options are available. Visitors can utilize the Transportation Agency’s affordable one-trip island-hopping package, which uses its boats.
“We invite the public to come and explore this history. For transportation, visitors can take advantage of the Transportation Agency’s affordable one-trip island-hopping package using its boats,” he said.
The “From Batavia to Baitullah” exhibition on Onrust Island invites the public to discover the rich history of Hajj journeys and the island’s pivotal role in connecting Nusantara to the Holy Land.
