Indonesian diplomat's home becomes a living Vietnam museum of memories
A retired Indonesian diplomat has turned his home in Pondok Gede into a miniature 'Vietnam museum'. Lumban Sianipar, who once served as Indonesia’s Defence Attaché in Ha Noi, fills the 500-square-metre space with treasured memorabilia from his years abroad. Each item carries a personal story, reflecting deep cultural ties between the two nations. Sianipar lived in Ha Noi from 1994 to 1997, a period that left a lasting impression on him and his family. Their home on Ngô Quyền Street sat among quiet lanes lined with craft shops and bustling food stalls. He still recalls the city’s vibrant street life, from the scent of local dishes to the solemn celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification in 1975.
The walls of his Indonesian home now display mother-of-pearl inlays, delicate eggshell art, and lacquer paintings—each piece carefully chosen. A striking lacquer painting of a Vietnamese rural market greets visitors at the entrance, an item he has refused to sell despite offers reaching tens of millions of rupiah. For Sianipar, these objects are not mere decorations but living memories of the warmth and kindness he experienced in Vietnam.
Now retired, he continues sharing his passion as a senior lecturer at the Indonesian National Resilience Institute (LEMHANNAS). His garden, filled with Vietnamese-inspired touches, often hosts gatherings where guests can experience what he calls the 'essence of Vietnam' far from its borders. Sianipar’s home stands as a personal tribute to the friendship between Vietnam and Indonesia. The collection, built over decades, offers visitors a glimpse into a foreign culture through the eyes of someone who lived it. His refusal to part with any item underscores how deeply these memories shape his connection to the country he once called home.
