Enviro News Asia, Bandung — The Bandung Cavalry Museum attracted a large number of visitors on Sunday afternoon, February 8, 2026, as members of the public filled its exhibition halls, outdoor areas, and family café. The museum, located on Gatot Subroto Street, was lively with families, children, and history enthusiasts engaging with the exhibits and enjoying its interactive and family-friendly atmosphere.
The occasion coincided with the 76th anniversary of the Indonesian Army Cavalry Corps. As part of the commemoration, the Friends of the Cavalry Museum Community officially donated a collection of miniatures, dioramas, and historical photographs documenting the history of the Indonesian Cavalry Corps. The donation was symbolically handed over by Wawan Hermawan, representing the community, to the Commander of the Indonesian Army Cavalry Weapons Center (Danpussenkav), Major General TNI Eko Susetyo.
The newly donated miniature and diorama depict the M3A3 Stuart tank operated by the Indonesian Army Cavalry Corps. The M3A3 Stuart is a United States–manufactured light tank weighing approximately 13 tons, with a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour. The vehicle is armed with a 37-millimeter main gun and a 7.62-millimeter machine gun.
Historically, the M3A3 Stuart tanks were taken over by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) from the former Netherlands Indies Civil Administration (KNIL) on February 9, 1950. The tanks were subsequently deployed in several major military operations, including the suppression of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) rebellion in 1950, operations against the DI/TII insurgency in Aceh, West Java, and Central Java, the suppression of the PRRI rebellion in Sumatra and the Permesta movement in North Sulawesi in 1958, as well as during the events surrounding the G30S/PKI in 1965.
The M3A3 Stuart tank miniature now featured as part of the museum’s permanent collection was presented as a souvenir from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in the United States. The contribution involved several Indonesian officials, including Ambassador to the United States Prof. Dr. Ir. Indroyono Soesilo, Indonesian Army Attaché Colonel Arm Tri Arto Subagio, FMS Officer at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., Lieutenant Colonel Kav Adek Kurniawan, and Assistant Defense Attaché Major Kav Edward Lumban Toruan.
In his remarks, Major General TNI Eko Susetyo expressed his appreciation for the initiative taken by the Indonesian Embassy in the United States and the Friends of the Cavalry Museum Community in supporting the development of the Bandung Cavalry Museum. He noted that the museum’s unique concept has received a positive response from the public.
“With its distinctive concept, this museum has gained strong public interest. This contribution will become a valuable addition to the museum’s collection,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wawan Hermawan explained that the M3A3 Stuart miniature and diorama were designed in collaboration with Muhammad Iskandarsyah, with the production process taking approximately ten days. He expressed hope that the new collection would further enliven the museum and serve as an engaging educational medium.
“Hopefully, this contribution will help bring the museum to life, preserve the history of the Cavalry Corps, and allow younger generations to learn through innovative educational media,” Wawan said.
The Bandung Cavalry Museum is known for its extensive outdoor display of tanks and armored vehicles, as well as indoor collections featuring miniatures, armored vehicle models, and historical photographic documentation of the Indonesian Army Cavalry Corps. Supported by food and beverage tenants and a family-oriented café concept, the museum’s strategic location in the heart of Bandung makes it a popular destination, particularly on weekends. (*)
