A city without a memory is a city without a soul: Why Miri needs a proper museum now more than ever
By Terry Justin Dit
Imagine a city without a memory – no echoes of its triumphs, no reminders of its struggles, no artefacts whispering tales of lives lived within its walls. Museums are the keepers of a city’s soul. They are not merely repositories of relics; they are vibrant spaces where the past comes alive, connecting residents and visitors with stories that define a community’s essence. For Miri, a city brimming with untapped historical and cultural wealth, the time for a proper museum is now.
A Treasure Trove of History Left Untold
Miri’s rich history spans millennia, from prehistoric settlements to its transformation into a modern city. The city has borne witness to prosperity, conflict, and revitalisation: the boom-and-bust cycles of the oil industry, the scars of Japanese occupation during World War II, and the resilient spirit of post-war reconstruction. Yet, these stories remain fragmented, largely untold, and at risk of fading into obscurity.
While the Petroleum Museum at Canada Hill provides a glimpse into Miri’s oil heritage, it barely scratches the surface of the city’s multifaceted narrative. Miri deserves a museum that captures the full spectrum of its identity, celebrating its indigenous cultures, industrial milestones, and collective resilience.
What Could a Proper Museum Look Like?
Picture a dynamic cultural hub where history, art, and community intersect. Here are four compelling themes that could form the foundation of a world-class museum in Miri:
1. Weaving the Tapestry of Indigenous Cultures
Step into a recreated longhouse, where the air is filled with the aroma of woodsmoke and the rhythmic sound of traditional looms. This exhibit would immerse visitors in the rich traditions of Miri’s indigenous communities, showcasing their craftsmanship, hunting practices, and oral histories. Meticulously crafted interactive displays and interviews with elders would preserve vital cultural knowledge while fostering understanding of challenges such as land rights and modernisation.
Imagine standing before a dazzling array of Northern Sarawak’s iconic beadwork, each piece telling a story of identity and artistry. This celebration of indigenous heritage would not only educate, fostering a deeper understanding of indigenous perspectives and their invaluable contributions to Miri’s cultural landscape, but also inspire action to preserve these traditions for future generations.
Northern Sarawak’s rich beadwork traditions can be highlighted in the Miri museum.
This is an example from a display at the Borneo Cultures Museum.
2. The Oil That Shaped a City: A Tale of Boom and Bust
Miri’s identity as Malaysia’s first oil town deserves an exhibit that captures its industrial heritage in all its complexity. Visitors could trace the city’s transformation from a sleepy coastal town to a bustling oil hub through photographs, artefacts, and personal stories of oil workers and their families, capturing the excitement of the boom years and the hardships endured during periods of economic downturn.
Interactive displays could dive into the environmental impact of oil extraction, sparking conversations about sustainability and the future of energy. This exhibit would honour the legacy of those who built Miri’s oil industry while encouraging critical reflection on its costs and consequences. Interactive maps and data visualisations could illustrate the impact of oil spills, deforestation, and pollution on the surrounding ecosystem, prompting visitors to consider the long-term implications of industrial development.
The oil industry played an important role in the city’s development.
Shown here is ‘Oil Well No.23, Pujut’.
3. A Symphony of Cultures: Celebrating Diversity
Miri’s vibrant tapestry of 27 ethnic groups offers endless opportunities for celebration. A museum could feature exhibits on traditional cuisines, allowing visitors to savour the flavours of Miri through interactive cooking demonstrations. Music and dance performances, showcased through immersive audio-visual displays, would bring the sounds of the different ethnic groups to life.
Festivals and rituals that unite Miri’s communities could be highlighted, fostering deeper appreciation for the city’s multicultural harmony. Through these experiences, visitors would leave with a newfound understanding of what makes Miri unique.
4. A Wartime Chronicle: Lessons from the Past
Miri’s strategic importance during World War II left an indelible mark on its history. A wartime exhibit could feature personal accounts, photographs, and artefacts that tell stories of resilience and sacrifice during the Japanese occupation.
By exploring the consequences of war, this exhibit would serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation. It would inspire visitors to reflect on the enduring impact of conflict and the collective responsibility to build a more harmonious future.
Museums: More Than Buildings, Standing Firm as Beacons
Museums stand as testaments to human resilience, preserving our collective memory through the ages. In a world of rapid change and uncertainty, they offer spaces for reflection, dialogue, and inspiration. A museum in Miri could do more than preserve the past; it could ignite a sense of pride, unity, and purpose among its people.
Conclusion: Building Miri’s Future Through Its Past
Miri deserves a museum that is more than a static collection of artefacts. It should be a living testament to the city’s journey, a place where history breathes and lessons from the past shape aspirations for the future. By embracing its rich heritage and cultural diversity, Miri can create a museum that becomes a cornerstone of its identity—a beacon for generations to come.
Terry Justin Dit is a lecturer in the Department of Media and Communications, Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin Malaysia, where he teaches Borneo Studies and Media. He can be reached via email at terry.j@curtin.edu.my.
