Henry Timisela, the newly appointed director of the Moluks Historisch Museum, begins his work in a turbulent period. In this column he looks back on that start and sets out his expectations.
Never before had I begun a new adventure in such a remarkable way. Shortly after the board announced my appointment as director, congratulations came in from all directions. I therefore want to thank everyone here for all those fine words. The critical remarks, because there are those too, I naturally take on board. What a start. And now I am writing this piece from home.
The first week
In my first working week I was invited to the farewell reception of Harriet Ferdinandus, director of Pelita, and spoke with her successor Rocky Tuhuteru. I also met more familiar faces and got to know many others in the field. I left that gathering with an inside pocket full of business cards. That same day came the news of King Willem-Alexander's apology to Indonesia. And to top it all, Prime Minister Rutte announced the tightened measures around the coronavirus. Meanwhile I set up my workplace at the office and got to know my direct colleague Huib Akihary , who has been appointed as curator. Working from home then turned out to be a real option that week.
Huib Akihary, museum curator, and Henry Timisela, director
As I said, I am writing this piece from my home office. It is different, but there is nothing to be done about it. Fortunately I still have plenty to read and can make preparations this way. There is, after all, plenty of work to do. I cannot do that alone, and fortunately I am already receiving a great deal of input through various channels, including email and social media. Thank you for that. The Moluccan story matters and I will do my best to give that story the platform it deserves.
Look after one another and #staysafe
