A Walk Through History at the Asian–African Conference Museum

 Bandung - My visit to the Asian–African Conference Museum in Bandung was an eye-opening journey into a defining moment of world history. Located along the historic Jalan Asia Afrika, the museum stands as a powerful reminder of how newly independent nations once gathered to shape a more just and peaceful global order. Stepping inside felt like walking into the heartbeat of the 1955 Bandung Conference — a milestone that changed the direction of Asia and Africa forever.

The museum opened exactly at 10.30AM

Entrance fee: FREE

The first thing that struck me was the beautifully preserved interior of the iconic Gedung Merdeka, where the conference originally took place. Its Art Deco architecture, polished marble floors, and grand meeting hall still exude the elegance and seriousness of that era. It was easy to imagine leaders such as Sukarno, Jawaharlal Nehru, Zhou Enlai, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and many others sitting together, determined to build a cooperative future free from colonial rule.

The museum does a remarkable job of capturing the spirit of the conference — a gathering of 29 nations representing more than half the world’s population at that time. Panels, photographs, artefacts, and audio-visual recordings bring the event to life. I spent a good amount of time reading the displays about the Five Principles (Pancasila) of Peaceful Coexistence, which became the foundation of the conference’s goals. These principles emphasised mutual respect, non-aggression, and cooperation, forming the basis of what later evolved into the Non-Aligned Movement.

One of the most powerful sections of the museum features black-and-white photos of the leaders who attended the 1955 conference. Their expressions — resolute, hopeful, and visionary — reminded me that this was not just another diplomatic meeting. It was a collective stand against oppression and a call for unity among nations emerging from decades of colonialism. The Bandung Conference symbolised the rise of Asia and Africa on the world stage.

The stamps and weighing scale used during the conference

Another highlight was the room displaying vintage equipment such as old typewriters, microphones, and radio transmitters used by journalists covering the event. I appreciated how these small details painted a vivid picture of the atmosphere in 1955 — bustling reporters, translators working tirelessly, and delegates engaging in passionate debates.

The museum tour ended at the historic main hall, still arranged almost exactly as it was during the conference. I took a moment to sit quietly and imagine the energy in that room nearly 70 years ago. It gave me a deep sense of respect for the vision and courage of the leaders who gathered there.

Visiting the Asian–African Conference Museum is not just a history lesson — it is a reminder of how unity, diplomacy, and shared ideals can shape the future.