This research examines the architectural and institutional legacy of the Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij (NHM) in Indonesia, focusing on its role in shaping urban development and colonial financial infrastructure. Established in 1824, NHM influenced trade, banking, and architecture, leaving behind monumental structures like the Museum Bank Mandiri, formerly NHM’s headquarters in Jakarta.
Despite their historical significance, NHM buildings face threats from neglect and redevelopment. This project integrates archival research, material studies, and 3D scanning to document and analyze NHM’s architectural heritage digitally. By linking Dutch and Indonesian archives, the research addresses knowledge gaps in colonial economic history, architectural adaptation, and postcolonial interpretations of financial institutions.
The study aims to create an open-access digital repository and develop new museum narratives engaging with colonial memory. This interdisciplinary collaboration between universities, museums, and heritage institutions in Indonesia and the Netherlands will enhance awareness, inform conservation strategies, and foster critical discourse on colonial heritage. Through historical research and digital preservation, the project contributes to sustainable heritage management, inclusive museum storytelling, and stronger academic partnerships between both countries.
