A Vietnamese-inspired home in Indonesia: A mini museum of Vietnamese culture
WVR/VNA - On a small street in the Pondok Gede area of Java Island, the home of former Indonesian Defense Attaché Lumban Sianipar is likened to a "miniature Vietnam museum", preserving deep memories of Hanoi and the Vietnamese people.
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| The space inside the home rich in Vietnamese spirit in Indonesia. (Photo: VNA) |
The home of Mr. Lumban Sianipar leaves a special impression on anyone who visits. Not because of its unusual architecture, but because of the over 500 m² space inside, arranged like a "miniature Vietnam museum", where hundreds of memorabilia linked to his time living and working in Hanoi are preserved.
Right from the front yard, a large lacquer painting composed of four panels vividly depicting a Vietnamese rural market scene captures the attention of visitors. The artwork impresses with its meticulous detail and vibrant folk colours. Mr. Sianipar shares that this is a particularly cherished keepsake. Despite high offers, he insists on not selling it, as it represents an irreplaceable part of his memories.
Inside the house, the space unfolds like a journey exploring Vietnamese culture. The walls are adorned with mother-of-pearl inlaid paintings, egg shell paintings, lacquer paintings, oil paintings, and more.
Many of the artworks are large, bearing the distinct marks of traditional art. Interspersed are intricately inlaid wooden cabinets, ceramic vases from Bat Trang Pottery Village, and numerous handicrafts arranged harmoniously, creating a space that is both solemn and cozy, rich in Vietnamese essence in the heart of Indonesia.
These artifacts are tied to the time Mr. Sianipar served in Vietnam as the Indonesian Defense Attaché. His family lived on Ngo Quyen Street from 1994 to 1997, a period when Hanoi was undergoing significant transformation post-Renewal.
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| Mr. Lumban Sianipar's family still holds many memories of Vietnam. (Source: TTXVN) |
For him, it was a peaceful and memorable time. His wife and three children still retain many memories of Hanoi's streets, art shops, and unforgettable dishes.
Meeting him again in late April, memories of Hanoi vividly come to life through each story. He recalls the vibrant atmosphere of flags and flowers, especially the celebration of the Reunification Day on April 30, with solemn parades and a sea of proud people.
Beyond the scenery, what he cherishes most is the Vietnamese people. According to him, the friendliness and sincerity of the locals made his family always feel at home. This affection turned the keepsakes they brought back into not just objects, but memories and deep connections.
After completing his term and returning to Indonesia, his family brought back not only handicrafts but also a part of their memories of Vietnam. Over time, these keepsakes have been preserved and arranged into a unique cultural space, where anyone visiting can feel the "Vietnamese breath".
Though retired with the rank of Lieutenant General, Mr. Sianipar currently teaches at LEMHANNAS. He dedicates part of his garden to hosting gatherings with friends, introducing and spreading his love for Vietnam.
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| A mother-of-pearl inlaid painting in Mr. Lumban Sianipar's home. (Source: VNA) |
“There are always people wanting to buy an item, but I don't want to part with anything,” he shares. For him, each keepsake is a precious memory.
Thus, the space in Mr. Lumban Sianipar's home is not just a place to preserve artifacts, but a vivid testament to the cultural and emotional connection between Vietnam and Indonesia – a quiet yet enduring bridge linking people to people, memories to the present.
(Source: WVR/VNA)
