The Opening of Kolong Tangga Museum’s New Location in Sekarpetak, Bangunjiwo, Bantul

A museum that is brimming with stories and memories has found its home in Bangunjiwo, Bantul, Yogyakarta. The Kolong Tangga Museum, the first toys museum in Indonesia, finally opened its doors following an eight-year hiatus. Its new location in Sekarpetak, Bangunjiwo, bears witness to the museum’s noble vision: to preserve traditional games and toys for the present-day children. The museum was founded in 2008 under Yayasan Dunia Damai, owing to the insight of its founder, Rudi Corens. In the intervening years, the museum became a medium for a unique alternative education, teaching cultural values through traditional games from Indonesia and various other countries. But it was not always a smooth sailing. In 2017, the museum was forced to close its doors due to loss of venue, a situation which was subsequently exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The final blow was struck when Mr. Corens passed away in 2020. Rising from the ashes, the perseverance of Museum Kolong Tangga’s volunteers led to finding a place that can house and exhibit the museum’s collection, numbering more than ten thousand pieces, to the public. The opening ceremony on the 22nd of February 2025 was less a ceremonial event to inaugurate the new location than the embodiment of a hard-won battle. The ceremony was attended by officials from the office of culture to the locals, showcasing the important role the museum has been playing in education and preserving culture. Kolong Tangga Museum is so much more than its toys collection. Its programmes encompass Burung Biru Library (Perpustakaan Burung Biru), the Kelereng newsletter, and creative workshops that make the learning process engaging. Moreover, the museum’s outreach programme “Museum Visits to You” (Museum Datang Mengunjungimu) brings the museum closer to the public. “We believe that toys are the windows to children’s world. Through games children can learn, tinker, and grow mirthfully,” remarks Redy Kuswanto, the head of Kolong Tangga Museum. The rise of Kolong Tangga Museum is a parable on unwavering steadfastness and devotion to children’s education. This is the place for the enjoyment of childhood, where each toy has its stories and the sky is the limit for a child’s dream.