Traces of South Kalimantan's Struggle Along the Banks of the Martapura River
Wasaka Museum, or Waja Sampai Kaputing Museum, is one of the most important historical museums in South Kalimantan. It preserves the spirit of the Banjar people's struggle from the Dutch colonial era, through the Japanese occupation, and into the Physical Revolution of 1945–1949.
Inside this traditional Banjar house built from ironwood, visitors can find approximately 400 historical artifacts documenting the long journey of resistance against colonial rule.
The name “Wasaka” comes from the Banjar phrase “Waja Sampai Kaputing”, which means “steel to the very end” or “never surrender until the last drop of blood.”
This philosophy forms the core of the museum, making it not only a repository of historical objects but also a symbol of the fighting spirit of the people of South Kalimantan.
The History of Wasaka Museum: From a Diamond Merchant’s House to a Museum of Struggle
The Wasaka Museum building was not originally a museum. It was a Bubungan Tinggi-style Banjar house built around 1810 using ulin wood (ironwood), a hardwood native to Kalimantan known for its durability, lasting for decades or even centuries.
The house belonged to a diamond merchant named Datu Jalal, who was an influential economic figure in the Banjar region at the time.
The building's transformation began in 1988, when it was sold to the regional government. Initially, it was used as a cultural house before receiving strong support from the then Governor of South Kalimantan, Ir. H. M. Said, to be converted into a museum dedicated to the people's struggle.
Finally, on November 10, 1991, coinciding with Indonesia’s Heroes' Day, Wasaka Museum was officially inaugurated as the Museum of the South Kalimantan People's Struggle.
When it first opened, the museum housed only around 77 items, but over time the collection expanded to approximately 400 artifacts.
The Collections of Wasaka Museum: From Mandau Blades to Barajah Protective Armor
Although the building is not particularly large, the museum is packed with historical stories. Every corner showcases fragments of the Banjar people's struggle in various forms.
The weapon collection is one of the museum’s main attractions. It includes mandau blades, spears, VOC-era firearms, and Dutch pistols. Visitors can also see rifles, mortars, and improvised weapons such as wooden air rifles used during times of emergency in the struggle for independence.
One of the museum’s most unique exhibits is the “barajah” protective armor, a type of battle attire believed to provide protection through traditional incantations. This collection reflects the blend of physical and spiritual strength within Banjar warrior culture.
In addition to weapons, the museum houses documents of the struggle, battle maps, and archives from organizations such as Lasykar Hasbullah and the South Kalimantan Branch of the Indonesian Republic Youth Front. Historical photographs, including portraits of governors throughout different periods, are also carefully displayed as part of the region’s historical record.
In another section, visitors can view a miniature diorama of the battle in Kotabaru, antique typewriters, old cameras, and bicycles once used to deliver secret messages. Household items such as meeting tables, guest chairs, and traditional clothing provide a glimpse into the social life of the era.
One of the most memorable collections is a display case containing personal belongings and weapons owned by the hero Hassan Basri, accompanied by paintings that reinforce the narrative of his struggle. Elsewhere, visitors can also find administrative symbols such as the logos of South Kalimantan’s 13 regencies and municipalities, representing the region’s identity.
Wasaka Museum Location: An Iconic Site on the Martapura River
Wasaka Museum is located at Gang H. Andir, Kampung Kenanga Ulu RT 14, Sungai Jingah Village, North Banjarmasin District, Banjarmasin City, South Kalimantan. Its location is highly strategic, situated directly on the banks of the Martapura River, adjacent to Banua Anyar Bridge (17 May Bridge).
This location makes the museum easy to recognize, especially for tourists exploring the river by boat. A small dock directly in front of the museum even allows visitors to disembark straight from a klotok boat.
How to Get to Wasaka Museum from Downtown Banjarmasin
From downtown Banjarmasin, the museum is only about 3 kilometers away, with a travel time of approximately 10–15 minutes by road. The most common route is via Jalan Sultan Adam heading north, passing Banua Anyar Bridge, after which the museum can be seen along the riverbank.
Various transportation options are available, including private vehicles, ride-hailing services such as Gojek and Grab, and local taxis. Due to the short distance, some visitors even choose to cycle or walk while enjoying the atmosphere of the city.
However, the most memorable way to reach the museum is by river. From Siring Piere Tendean, visitors can rent a klotok (kelotok), the traditional motorized boat of Banjarmasin. The journey along the Martapura River takes approximately 10–20 minutes, depending on the current and departure point.
Beyond reaching the museum, the trip itself offers a unique experience of the “City of a Thousand Rivers” , a nickname that has become synonymous with Banjarmasin.
Visiting Hours at Wasaka Museum
Wasaka Museum is not open all day, so visitors should pay attention to its operating hours. The museum is generally open on:
Tuesday through Thursday from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Central Indonesia Time), Friday from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
Because the visiting hours are relatively limited, visitors are advised to arrive early to explore the entire museum without feeling rushed.
Admission Fees and Facilities
One of the most appealing aspects of Wasaka Museum is that admission is completely free. Visitors only need to sign the guest book upon arrival. The only additional cost is vehicle parking, which typically ranges from IDR 3,000 to IDR 5,000.
Despite being free, the museum is managed as a serious educational space dedicated to history. Visitors can enjoy a quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal place to learn about local history and gain a deeper understanding of Banjar culture.
Other Attractions of Wasaka Museum
Beyond its historical collections, Wasaka Museum is also attractive for its architecture. The traditional Bubungan Tinggi Banjar house, built from ironwood, gives the museum an authentic and highly photogenic appearance.
The presence of the tawing halat, a traditional partition wall characteristic of Banjar houses, further enhances its cultural significance. Its riverside setting also creates a peaceful and natural atmosphere that reflects the essence of Kalimantan.
This museum is not merely a place to store artifacts but also a space to understand how the Banjar people built their identity, defended their homeland, and preserved their dignity throughout the nation’s long history of struggle.
Wasaka Museum Banjar is a modest yet deeply meaningful historical destination. From its origins as a 19th-century diamond merchant’s residence to its transformation into a national struggle museum, it preserves countless stories of courage, strategy, and perseverance among the people of South Kalimantan.
For anyone visiting Banjarmasin, Wasaka Museum is more than just a tourist attraction—it is a journey back in time to an era when the spirit of “Waja Sampai Kaputing” became an enduring source of strength that never faded.
